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

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

Merakii Art House is thrilled to announce its latest endeavor, “Beyond Horizons,” an extraordinary group art exhibition showcasing the finest works of talented artists from across the nation. The event will take place from June 2 to June 4, 2023, at the prestigious Artizen Art Gallery gallery located in the heart of Delhi.

“Beyond Horizons” aims to celebrate the diversity and creativity of the contemporary art scene, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their extraordinary artistic expressions. The exhibition will feature a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and installations, promising to captivate art enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public alike.

This meticulously curated exhibition will bring together a carefully selected group of artists whose works reflect a wide range of styles, themes, and techniques. From abstract to figurative, traditional to experimental, the exhibition promises to be a visual feast for art connoisseurs and admirers. Each artwork is a unique reflection of the artist’s perspective, inviting viewers to delve into the rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences.

“We are thrilled to present Beyond Horizons,’ a celebration of artistic brilliance and creativity,” said Ms. Chandni Gulati Aggarwal, the founder of Merakii Art House. “Our aim is to provide a vibrant platform for artists to express their unique voices and showcase their extraordinary talent. We hope this exhibition becomes a catalyst for artistic inspiration and appreciation. We are in our 6^th year of organising exhibitions and in this show we have sponsored some special artists and helped them display their talent to the world”

The opening will take place on June 2, 2023, at 4:00 PM, where esteemed art critics, collectors, and art enthusiasts will gather to admire and engage with the artists and their mesmerizing works. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, gain insight into their creative processes, and build connections within the art community.

In addition to the exhibition, Merakii Art House has planned a series of interactive events and workshops throughout the duration of the exhibition like an Art Demonstration by Eminent Artist Sanjay Kumar and A Talk by CA Abhiroop Aggarwal on Laws and Tax aspects of the Art Industry. These events will provide a platform for visitors to engage directly with artists, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages dialogue and artistic exploration.

Participating Artists – Ashitha Jayaprakash, Atul Pandita, Banoshree Bose, Cheena Madan,

Ketiya Bhandecha, Meha Chaturvedi, Pooja Muthuraj, Poonam Sokhal, Poulomi Pallav

Bose, Prachi Mahapatra, Rekha Gupta, Richa Tejas, Shagun Soni, Samieraa Yusuf, Shanthi Vinjamuri, Shefali Khanna, Shivam Goyal, Shruti Solanki, Honey Yadav, Deepali Grover,

Disha Syngal, Ashish Agrawal, Molshree Ambastha, Sunita Goyal, Jyoti Bansal, Anushka

Gupta, Nakul Chauhan, Geeta Tiwari, Jyotsna Rajput, Maan Kaur, Jahanvee Sharma Jain, Tanisha Goel, Anand Kumar, Aditi Gusain, Aishwarya Ahuja

For more information about the exhibition, please visit www.merakiiarthouse.com or contact us at merakiiarthouse@gmail.com

About Merakii Art House:

Merakii Art House is a renowned art gallery committed to promoting contemporary art and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talent. With a focus on artistic excellence and innovation, Merakii Art House hosts a diverse range of exhibitions, events, and workshops, fostering a vibrant art community and creating opportunities for artistic growth.