Seasons without Snow: Singapore’s petrichor
aryan Arora
2025 APRIL 17 - APRIL 24 | Wednesday - Friday ,1PM - 7PM. Saturday - Sunday, 1PM - 6PM.
39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065
brief
Seasons Without Snow: Singapore's Petrichor explores the ever-changing landscape of Singapore, capturing the everyday stories that define the city. In his second solo show in Singapore, Arora presents a body of work that highlights diverse, often overlooked moments, where change is constant, yet certain elements remain timeless.
Through his distinctive monochrome palette and use of latex-wrapped figures, Arora’s paintings explore the dualities of modern life—contrast between tradition and modernity, presence and absence. His abstract, faceless figures embody the hidden narratives of Singapore, drawing attention to the quiet, everyday rituals that shape the city.
The series delves into the underlying layers of urban life, reflecting on how people navigate societal roles and masks, whether at work, in personal interactions, or within their identities. The stark black and white tones underscore the balance between transition and permanence in the city’s evolving identity.
"Seasons Without Snow: Singapore’s Petrichor" is a visual exploration of the fluidity of time and the cycles of transformation that shape life in Singapore, while celebrating the enduring elements that remain constant, much like the timeless essence of petrichor—the refreshing scent of rain after a dry spell.
Artist Statement
I moved to Singapore eight years ago, and since then, I have witnessed the city’s constant transformation. However, in these changes, I’ve also noticed the timelessness of the everyday rituals and the cycles that define life here. "Seasons Without Snow" is my interpretation of these moments—moments I’ve observed and experienced in my daily life. My time as an artist-in-residence at INSTINC provided the perfect space to reflect on these observations and explore them further through my art.
Over the past eight weeks, I’ve gone around Singapore, capturing photographs of what I see as the "seasons" of this city—moments that may seem mundane, but reveal the heartbeat of Singapore. Whether it’s people working, waiting in line, or simply going about their routines, I’ve been drawn to how the repetition of these moments creates a unique rhythm in the city.
For me, it’s difficult to give a literal face to my paintings. When I meet people, I’m often more interested in understanding the mask or hat they are wearing—how they present themselves in the role they occupy at that moment. It’s the dualities of identity that fascinate me—the contrasts between public personas and private selves. My paintings reflect this: faceless figures wrapped in latex-like material, embodying anonymity and the often-overlooked roles we play. Through the monochrome palette, I seek to highlight the duality between presence and absence, between the visible and the invisible, the personal and the societal.
In Singapore, 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 my art, I want to capture their essence, but also leave space for viewers to bring their own meanings and interpretations. I believe art should provoke thought and reflection, and I don’t want to give all the answers. I want people to feel nostalgic, to think about their own relationships with the city, and to form their own connections with the work.
This exhibition is an 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.
BIO of Artist
Aryan Arora
Aryan Arora (b. 1999), 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.
A significant aspect of Aryan's art is his use of black and white as a central theme. The monochrome palette serves not just as a stylistic choice but as a metaphor for the dualities within us—depicting the visible masks we wear and the invisible truths we conceal. His work portrays the stark contrasts between opposing forces, such as revelation and concealment, with a particular focus on the tensions between these dualities. Inspired by the complexities of the human psyche, Aryan uses black and white almost like a metallic latex style, where the two colors never mix—highlighting the inherent contrasts of the world we live in.
Through mediums like body painting and his provocative honey dipping series, Aryan confronts the societal taboos surrounding the human form. Honey, a recurring motif, symbolizes preservation and protection, serving as a metaphor for the desire to shield oneself and others from insecurities and vulnerabilities.
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 unraveling 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.
Website: aryanarora.art | Instagram: @aryanaroraart
