Masterpieces by surrealist Salvador Dalí, Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, can be found across the island. Along with showcasing works of renowned stalwart artists, Singapore is also focused on nurturing home-grown and regional talents. One such artist is Aryan Arora.

Aryan’s journey, stemming from a small town called Saharanpur in India, began with a series of pressing ‘Whys’. Having studied in Welham boarding school in Dehradun most of his life, he figured out that he was born to disrupt. The deep-rooted patriarchal ideals he realised led him to question the very fabric of society. Though he did not aspire to take up art and was happy studying academics, destiny had other plans in store for him. ‘I remember when I was locked in a room filled with canvas and paint in my school, I just started painting. I did not step out for a few hours till I completed my first painting’ he says.

His journey into art began there, and it wasn’t long before he realised that art had chosen him. He wanted to study visual arts outside India so he can explore the form beyond societal boundaries. He chose Lasalle College of Arts in a city known as the melting pot of cultures – Singapore. Little did he know that this decision would alter his life forever and Singapore would become home.

The years he spent in the art college ignited his mind to think beyond the canvas, using art as a tool for deeper expression. ‘Art is coming face to face with oneself’ he realised. During this journey he took on many projects with some of the most renowned brands like Netflix, Google, Singapore Tourism Board, Channel News Asia and exhibited his works at Art Outreach SG, Visual Art Centre SG, Institute of Contemporary Arts SG, Mumbai International Airport as a Creative Artist.

But he truly found joy in the world of performance art. One of Aryan’s earliest performances was an embodiment of vulnerability, where he covered himself in black and charcoal, grappling with deep-seated insecurities about his body image. Yet, it was two years later that a stirring evolution occurred. Aryan created a performance that embraced the natural, preserving essence of honey—a metaphorical shield that softened his perceived imperfections. ‘People always call their loved ones honey. I wanted to pour honey on my body and embrace it for the way it is and call myself honey’. This theme resumed in subsequent works, where he had shoots depicting individuals standing before each other, their bodies cocooned in honey. Initially unable to meet each other’s gaze, they eventually found the courage to look—a process that became a liberating and healing art therapy, filling a void that once existed and becoming aware of the void, as they tried to fill it. The Void Series was displayed at the Substation Gallery at the Visual Arts centre. He is deeply passionate about body positivity and the importance of good mental health. His Dripping Honey series resonates with the melody of hyperrealism, his Glitter series subtly champions acceptance, while his Mental Issues series visibly unsettles the mind. His interpretation of Michelangelo’s The Recreation of Adam was displayed at the reputed Art Outreach Singapore at Gillman Barracks Art Gallery. He painted Adam with a darker complexion to break the stereotype and showcased it with My Sweet Indulgence series talking about male gaze and gender related issues. His Spectrum Series  was displayed at The Institute of Contemporary Arts ICA, Singapore. He says ‘In the act of creation, he both discovered and lost himself.’

Today, Aryan Arora stands out as one of Singapore’s most promising and talented artists, known for addressing various social and taboo issues through his work. ‘When I first began studying, I didn’t know my art’s purpose. Though it evolves, I now see it as a scream of freedom. I want my impact to outlast me,’ he says.

His next exhibition, ‘Silent Dialogues,’ presented by Maven Ira Gallery, a wing of Mavendoer, explores internal conflicts and contemplations. This series of 15 monochromatic paintings explores the duality of black and white, with only two graced by colour. The artworks delve into the theme of masks—masks that people wear unknowingly, even alone. Each artwork is a thoughtful dialogue, a silent plea that echoes the sentiment, ‘Somebody save me, me from myself.’ The private viewing of the exhibition is happening at Club El Pico on the 30th of August followed by the exhibition from 1st to 10th of September 2024.

Artist: Aryan Arora

Email: aryanaroraart@gmail.com

Mobile: +65 8885 7051

Website: https://www.aryanarora.art/
Instagram : www.instagram.com/aryanaroraart/

Her Art Collective, an entrepreneurial venture by 17-year-old Serrena Khanna, supported by WeDiversify by Jyotika Dhawan, a global collaborative focused on Gender Equality, hosted a groundbreaking Art Exhibit and sale on August 7, 2024, at the Innovative Lighting Studio in Okhla. The event, held on August 7, 2024, aimed to showcase the diverse talents of upcoming female artists alongside works by underprivileged artists, promoting Gender Equality in Art and fostering connections within the art community.

A remarkable 80 percent of the artwork displayed was sold, with proceeds benefiting women emerging artists and economically weaker section females. This initiative not only provided a platform for talented artists to showcase their work but also contributed to empowering women in the art industry.
“We are thrilled to have hosted this event that celebrates the creativity and talent of female artists while supporting underprivileged artists in our community,” said Serrena Khanna, founder of Her Art Collective. “Through initiatives like this, we hope to continue promoting Gender Equality in the art world and creating opportunities for artists from all backgrounds to thrive.”

The venue, a design studio, provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate creativity and diversity in the art world. Her Art Collective, led by Serrena Khanna, is dedicated to advocating for gender equality within the art industry. Shocking statistics reveal the stark gender disparities in the art world, with only 4% of modern artists featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art being female, despite comprising 72% of the nudes in its gallery. Additionally, a mere 2% of global art auction spending is allocated to female artists, who face significant wage disparities compared to their male counterparts.

Founded with the mission to promote and support female artists, Her Art Collective aims to nurture budding talent across the art scene in India. Supported by the non-profit organization WeDiversify, the collective has already made significant strides in advocating for gender equality through various initiatives, including art workshops for underprivileged children, Insta sessions with established artists, and exhibitions for female artists and artists supporting equality. We Diversify is led by Jyotika Dhawan. With various awards on Gender Equality and Social Impact to her credit, she works on making Sustainable Development Goal 5- Gender Equality and Goal 10- Equal Opportunities a priority. Their work includes advocacy, engagement & empowerment of people from different genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, neurodiversity, body, age, economic backgrounds and more Serrena Khanna is committed to promoting gender equality in the arts.

Drawing inspiration from her own achievements in photography, including winning awards like the Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key and Photography Underclass Student of the Year, Serrena launched Her Art Collective to address the underrepresentation of women in the art industry.

Currently attending Blair Academy in the US, Serrena is not only passionate about art but also active in golf, acting, and leadership roles such as Dorm Prefect and a member of the Belonging & Equity Committee. Her dedication to equality led her to establish Her Art Collective, a beacon of hope for aspiring female artists in India and beyond

In order to compile a comprehensive list of the top 10 culinary arts colleges in India, several factors were taken into consideration. One of the main factors was the placement rating of each college, as this is an important aspect for students who are looking to start their career in the culinary industry. Additionally, the value for money rating was also considered, as it is crucial for students to receive quality education at an affordable cost. The faculty rating was another important factor, as it reflects the expertise and experience of the professors who will be teaching and guiding the students. The infrastructure rating was also taken into account, as having state-of-the-art facilities is essential for students to learn and practice their skills effectively. These ratings were provided by India’s top education portal shiksha.com, adding credibility to the list. Furthermore, reviews and feedback from current and past students were also considered, as they provide valuable insights into the overall experience of studying at these colleges. By considering all these factors, a well-rounded list of the top 10 culinary arts colleges in India was compiled to help aspiring chefs make an informed decision about their education and future career.

1. Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad

The Culinary Academy of India is the first professional training school for a higher education in culinary arts founded in India. Ever since its inception in 1996, Brand CAI has matched the standards of top American and European culinary institutes. Today CAI is recognized as India’s premier culinary arts and catering technology institute, and one of the best colleges for aspiring chefs’ world over. Brand CAI celebrated its silver jubilee year in 2019-20. Over the course of 25 years, the Culinary Academy of India has placed over 7,000 young Indian’s in leading cruise food production operations globally, and more than 2,000 chef graduates lead the culinary industry in India across the country’s highest echelon of hotels and restaurants.

Website Link : https://www.iactchefacademy.com/home.html

2. IICCM Institute of Culinary Arts, Pune

IICCM Institute of Culinary Arts, located in Pune, is a premium culinary arts institute in India known for its top-notch culinary programs. The institute is affiliated with the State Government University, City and Guilds of London Institute, and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council of India. With its focus on providing industry-relevant education, IICCM has received numerous accolades, including being named the Most Rated Culinary Arts Institute of the Year 2022, Most Innovative Culinary Arts School of the Year 2021, and Asia’s Best Culinary Arts Training Institution of the Year 2022. These awards further validate the institute’s commitment to excellence in culinary education. Additionally, IICCM boasts a highly successful placement track record, with all its students securing jobs in the industry. This is a testament to the institute’s industry-friendly curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive culinary world. Overall, IICCM Institute of Culinary Arts is a highly respected institution that continues to set the standard for culinary education in India.

Website Link : https://iiccm.in/

3. Welcome Group Graduates School, Manipal

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) is a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, and was established in 1986 as a unit of Dr TMA Pai Foundation in partnership with the Hotels Division of ITC Ltd. Today, WGSHA is India’s premier hotel management institute and it has been ranked 26th among the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the world 2020 by CEOWORLD Magazine.

Website Link : https://www.manipal.edu/wgsha.html

4. Institute of Hotel Management, IHM-A, Aurangabad

Developing world-class hospitality and cuisine professionals for over 30 years
IHM Aurangabad create student experiences that stay with their graduates for a life time. The internationally validated curriculum remains cutting-edge. The content, exposure and immersion in a real world environment is unmatched. Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has a majority representation on the Board of Governors. Maulana Azad Education Trust implements and drives the operation with the Board’s support. Industry experts retain the relevance of creating future leaders. World class academics enrich the Board with educational perspectives from all over the world.

5. Indian School of Hospitality, Gurgaon

Part of Sommet Education, ISH is India’s finest hospitality management and culinary arts institute delivering programmes with two of the world’s leading higher education institutes – Ecole Ducasse, and Les Roches. ISH`s culinary programmes are offered in partnership with École Ducasse, France and hospitality programmes are taught in alliance with Les Roches, Switzerland.

6. Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts, Pune

Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts is a prestigious culinary institute located in Pune and offers a range of professional culinary programs. With one-of-a-kind facility and experienced chefs as faculty, SSCA provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the culinary industry. SSCA offers a variety of programs

7. D Goenka School of Hospitality, Gurgaon

GD Goenka University is an internationally acclaimed and premier institution of higher education in India. Quality education aimed at directing the students towards research, innovation and extension is the defining element of the GD Goenka University. The GD Goenka University, recognized by UGC, aspires to be a global leader in the 21st Century higher education ecosystem through enshrined core values of intellectual excellence, collegiality, diversity and integrity. GD Goenka University is also recognized as QS IGUAGE “Diamond” rated University.

8. IHM Pusa

The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Pusa, New Delhi is one of the premier hospitality institutes of India providing quality hospitality education at undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. The Institute comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Many Eco-friendly measures are adopted in the Institute like solar water heaters, sewage treatment plants, underground water tanks, and water harvesting facilities. The conquest of nurturing excellence in aspiring minds by the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi has been approbated time and again as the Best Institute of Hotel Management in the country for 6 times in a row by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Many awards have been bestowed to the Institute, Teachers & Students in the National Awards for Excellence (Hospitality Education) functions year after year.

9. Oberoi Center of Learning and Development

Established in 1966, OCLD offers a three-year degree for students who have passed Class XII. The Systematic Training and Education Programme (STEP) includes comprehensive on-the-job training at select few Oberoi and Trident Hotels in India along with a correspondence Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Studies from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

10. APCA – Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts

APCA is an esteemed group of Professional Culinary & Pastry Schools with its presence in Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore. Their journey started in 2010 with the flagship school in Malaysia and now, it is exponentially growing with plans to be in Thailand & Dubai soon.

The academy uses cutting edge technology, mixed with ingenious techniques, specifically designed to teach the art and science of creating great food and methods needed to excel in the food industry.

Bharat, is home to a stunning array of traditional dance forms that epitomize its rich cultural heritage, developed over centuries. From the rhythmic elegance of Kathak to the expressive movements of Bharatanatyam, each dance encapsulates stories and traditions passed down through generations. Their enchanting charm and timeless importance continue to captivate audiences worldwide, highlighting the profound depth and vibrancy inherent in the diverse artistic traditions of the nation.

And this legacy took center stage at the esteemed 12th Cultural Olympiad of Performing Arts held at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, on the 18th and 19th of November 2023. Organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh (A.B.S.S.) in collaboration with UNESCO, this global platform celebrated artistry and talent from around the world where Guru Bhavana Lele from Kalanand Nritya Sanstha was awarded the esteemed ABSS UNESCO AWARDS as the ‘Grand Master of Cultural Olympiad’ in acknowledgment of her remarkable accomplishment in bringing the largest group of performers and ensuring the highest level of participation from her institute.

Among the multitude of talented artists from across the globe, it was the brilliant performances by the students of Kalanand Nritya Sanstha, an esteemed dance institution nestled in Thane, Maharashtra that encapsulated India’s cultural essence through their enormous love for Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Illustrating the depth of traditional Indian dances, each age group showcased unmatched excellence, securing medals across all event categories and earning admiration from both the judging panel and fellow performers on an international scale.

Founded in 1995, Kalanand Nritya Sanstha specializes in the revered Kathak dance form, owing its establishment to the eminent Kathak exponent, Bhavana Lele. Renowned for her exceptional versatility, Bhavana Lele honed her dance craft under the esteemed mentorship of Guru Mrs. Sanjeevani Kulkarni in Nasik. With an M.A. in Kathak from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapith in Pune, Guru Bhavana elevated her expertise in this classical dance form to greater heights.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Chaitanya Prakash Yogi, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) at the Embassy of India in Bangkok, and Vipul Pawar, Director of SVCC. The panel of esteemed judges comprised Subrata De, India’s renowned sitarist, Debnath Chatterjee, the country’s esteemed vocalist, and Barnali Sarkar, an acclaimed Odissi and Kathak dancer.

The achievements of the young performers from Kalanand Nritya Sanstha were nothing short of extraordinary.

Junior Group: Gold Medalists – Vaishnavi, Siya, Nakshatra, Diya, Neha, Debashree, Aasmi, Avani, Riddhi

Junior Duet: Gold Medalists – Gargi & Ira

Junior Solo: Gold Medalist – Radhika Sawant

Senior Solo: Gold Medalist – Charitra Lakur

Senior Solo: Silver Medalist – Nidhisha Salian

Open Group: Silver Medalists – Sarita, Reshma, Manali, Kiran, Nikita

Their performances in classical dance enthralled the international audience, showcasing unparalleled artistry and dedication to their craft.

Additionally, Kalanand Nritya Sanstha received a moment of honor from ABSS India, commemorating their invaluable contribution to cultural preservation and promotion.

All the artists from the Kalanand Institute not only honored India’s enduring cultural heritage at the 12th Cultural Olympiad of Performing Arts but also earned global recognition with their splendid performances, showcasing the country’s rich artistic prowess on a global stage.

“Classical dance isn’t just about movements; it’s the soulful expression that connects our heritage to the present, knitting together tradition, emotion, and spirituality through every graceful step.”

– Guru Bhavana Lele

For more details Contact Narendra L. on: 9820504803