Singapore, a Thriving Hub for Artists: Aryan Arora’s Work Sparks a Dynamic Dialogue on Mental Health

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/