In the stillness of a gallery, where colours breathe, and silence speaks, Aryan Arora’s art beckons us to listen—to the whispers of the soul, the unspoken words that echo within. These whispers will take form in Arora’s much-anticipated solo painting exhibition, Silent Dialogues, which will be held on 30 August 2024 at the renowned El Pico Gallery in Singapore.
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An Artist Unveiled
Aryan Arora’s journey from the conservative landscapes of Saharanpur, India, to the cosmopolitan art circles of Singapore is one of relentless exploration. Born in 1999, Arora’s artistic inclinations were nurtured against societal norms that often stifled individual expression. His quest for authenticity led him to the hallowed halls of Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore and Goldsmiths University in the UK, where he delved deeper into the world of fine arts.
Arora’s work is an intimate reflection of his experiences, a canvas where personal introspection meets societal critique. His art challenges the taboos entrenched in contemporary culture, seeking to unravel the masks that society imposes on the individual. Whether through the raw medium of body painting or the evocative imagery of his honey-dipped performances, Arora’s art is a dialogue—a conversation between the self and the society that shapes it.
Silent Dialogues: A Monochromatic Meditation
Silent Dialogues is more than an exhibition; it is a profound meditation on the human condition. This collection of 15 monochromatic paintings delves into the duality of black and white, exploring the liminal space where the two converge. Only two pieces are graced with colour, symbolising moments of clarity amidst the fog of introspection.
The exhibition’s theme centres on the masks we wear—often unknowingly, even when alone. As Arora portrays them, these masks are not just social constructs but also self-imposed barriers that shield us from our true selves. Each painting in this series is a silent plea, a whispered cry for liberation: “Somebody save me, me from myself.” The rich textures and layered depths of these paintings invite viewers to confront their masks to engage in a dialogue with the silence within them.
In Silent Dialogues, The Artist Speaks
Each artwork in Silent Dialogues is a canvas of whispers, where the absence of colour speaks volumes. In one particularly striking piece, the viewer is met with a stark black-and-white portrayal of a solitary figure, its face obscured by a mask. The painting exudes a palpable tension, a sense of suffocation that mirrors the viewer’s suppressed emotions. In contrast, the two coloured pieces in the exhibition offer a momentary respite—a glimpse of hope, perhaps, or a flash of self-realisation.
Arora’s technique is as evocative as his themes. Using monochrome allows for a focus on texture and form, where every brushstroke adds depth to the narrative. The paintings’ surfaces blend smooth and rough textures, representing the duality of human experience—the external façade and the internal turmoil. Through this, Arora invites viewers not just to see but to feel—to run their fingers across the canvas of their psyche, uncovering the layers that lie beneath.
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El Pico: A Canvas for the Contemporary
El Pico, located on 6 Hongkong Street in Singapore, is the perfect venue for Aryan Arora’s Silent Dialogues. Known for its commitment to contemporary art, the gallery’s minimalist space allows Arora’s work to breathe, offering an intimate setting where the viewer can engage directly with the art. The exhibition opens at 6 p.m., and the ambience promises to be one of quiet reflection, where each viewer’s experience is as unique as the whispers that greet them.
As the evening unfolds, attendees will find themselves drawn into the subtle conversations that each painting initiates. The gallery’s serene atmosphere, combined with the potency of Arora’s work, creates an environment ripe for introspection—a space where silence is not an absence of sound but a presence of thought.
Beyond the Monochrome
While Silent Dialogues is anchored in the monochromatic, Aryan Arora’s artistic vision extends beyond these bounds. His past works, from body painting to public murals, are a testament to his versatility and commitment to challenging societal norms. Arora’s use of the human body as a canvas and message is particularly noteworthy. In his provocative honey-dipping series, for example, coating the body in honey serves as a metaphor for preservation and protection, a shield against the vulnerabilities that society so often exploits.
Arora’s art is, at its core, a form of resistance—a rebellion against the pressures to conform. His work confronts the viewer with uncomfortable truths, urging them to question the societal constructs that govern their lives. Yet, within this confrontation lies a promise of healing, of finding authenticity in a world that often demands masks.
A Symphony of Silence
Silent Dialogues is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to pause and listen. In a world where noise often drowns out the subtleties of existence, Aryan Arora’s work reminds us of the power of silence. His paintings are whispers on canvas—gentle yet profound, echoing truths we often dare not speak.
As opening night approaches, anticipation builds. For those fortunate enough to attend, Silent Dialogues offers an opportunity to dialogue with the silent parts of themselves that Arora’s work so deftly illuminates.
So, let the whispers guide you. Step into the world of Silent Dialogues and allow Aryan Arora’s art to speak the words you’ve been longing to hear.
