PROFILE

Aryan Arora  born in Saharanpur, India, is a visual and performance artist currently based in Singapore. Graduating from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, and holding a Fine Arts degree from Goldsmiths University, London, Aryan's practice delves into the complexities of societal norms, human identity, and personal introspection.

Rejecting the constraints imposed by societal ideals, Aryan's creative journey is a relentless exploration of individual expression. His work focuses on challenging the taboos entrenched in contemporary culture, employing various mediums to amplify voices often silenced or marginalized. Aryan's past works have been displayed at renowned venues such as the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore, Art Outreach Singapore, Visual Arts Gallery Singapore, The Substation Gallery, Google Headquarters Singapore, and Mumbai International Airport India, among others. In addition to his intimate studio explorations, Aryan's artistry spills onto public spaces through murals and graffiti, further extending his commitment to unravelling the complexities of societal constructs and presenting art as a form of social commentary.

For Aryan, art is not just a form of expression; it is a potent tool for communication, commentary, and catharsis. His work resonates with a yearning for authenticity and healing in a world often shrouded in masks. In every stroke and performance, Aryan Arora emerges as a steadfast advocate for the liberation of the true self, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing through art.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Aryan Arora moved to Singapore eight years ago, and since then, he has witnessed the city’s constant transformation. Amidst these changes, he has also noticed the timelessness of everyday rituals and the cycles that define life there. "Seasons Without Snow" is his interpretation of these moments, moments he has observed and experienced in his daily life. His time as an artist in residence at INSTINC provided the perfect space for him to reflect on these observations and explore them further through his art.

Over the past eight years, Aryan has travelled around Singapore, capturing photographs of what he sees as the “seasons” of the city, moments that may seem mundane, but which reveal the heart of Singapore. Whether it’s people working, waiting in line, or simply going about their routines, he has been drawn to how the repetition of these moments creates a unique rhythm in the city. For him, it's difficult to give a literal face to his paintings. When he meets people, he is often more interested in understanding the mask or role they are wearing, how they present themselves in the role they occupy at that moment. It’s the dualities of identity that fascinate him: the contrasts between public personas and private selves. His paintings reflect this faceless figures wrapped in latex-like material, embodying anonymity and the often-overlooked roles people play. Through the monochrome palette, he seeks to highlight the duality between presence and absence, between the visible and the invisible, the personal and the societal.

In Singapore, Aryan believes that much of the city’s identity lies in the hardworking, honest people who sustain its daily operations, whether they’re serving coffee, working in the streets, or standing in line. These are the people who make Singapore what it is. Through his art, he aims to capture their essence, while also leaving space for viewers to bring their own meanings and interpretations. Aryan believes that art should provoke thought and reflection, and he doesn’t want to give all the answers. He wants people to feel nostalgic, to think about their own relationship with the city, and to form their own connections with the work. This exhibition is his invitation to reflect on the unnoticed, to consider the roles we all play in shaping the city’s narrative, and to find meaning in the repetitions that make up our everyday lives.