#instinc

Opening TOCSIN December 17th at INSTINC

Venue: INSTINC Space, 39 Keppel Rd, #03–10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065

Opening Reception: 16 May 2025 (Fri.) 5:30PM–8:30PM

Exhibition Duration: 17 to 24 May 2025 (Wed-Fri, 1PM-7PM. Sat — Sun, 1PM-6PM)

Artist Talk: 17 May 2025, 3PM-4PM at the venue

“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.

About the Artist:

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. 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.

About INSTINC:

Founded in 2004 by artist Yeo Shih Yun, INSTINC is a leading artist-run institution based in Singapore. With a distinguished presence in the arts ecosystem, INSTINC diligently sustains the growth of contemporary art through exhibitions, residency programs and curations. Their esteemed Artist-in-Residence program has cultivated invaluable regional and international networks since 2009. INSTINC is celebrated for producing immersive, large-scale exhibitions that encompass installation, new media, performance, painting and sculpture, showcasing the diverse range of artistic expressions.

Notable collaborations include partnerships with renowned brands such as Volvo and Guinness, further demonstrating INSTINC’s commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary exchanges. Moreover, INSTINC takes immense pride in organising the highly anticipated INSTINC D:Art Festival 2022, generously supported by UOB Bank and the NAC start fund.

Perjuangan "Sang Raja" Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ) merengkuh gelar Mobile Legends Professional (MPL) Season 2 terbayar sudah. Lewat permainan nyaris sempurna, Lemon Cs berhasil memukul telak musuh abadinya EVOS di Grand Final dengan skor 3 - 0. Kemenangan ini semakin memperpanjang rekor tak terkalahkan RRQ atas EVOS dalam pertandingan offline turnamen di Indonesia selama setahun terakhir. The Grand Final RRQ berhasil melangkah mulus ke babak Grand Final setelah berhasil menyingkirkan Aerowolf (2 - 1) dan EVOS (2 - 1) di upper bracket. Sedangkan EVOS yang dipaksa turun ke lower bracket, berhasil melenggang ke Grand Final usai melewati partai hidup-mati melawan ONIC yang berujung kemenangan bagi JessNoLimit Cs dengan skor 2-1.

Match 1 Kesalahan fatal membiarkan RRQ memilih hero-hero andalannya harus dibayar mahal kubu EVOS. Instinc dengan Chou-nya, Liam menggunakan Grock, dan Lancelot milik AyamJAGO gagal diimbangi Marsha (Akai), JessNoLimit (Martis), dan Kaja milik Oura. Belum lagi dua tusukan dari lane berbeda oleh Lemon (Alice) dan Tuturu (Harley) membuat strategi EVOS hancur total. Meski memiliki kill yang sama (5-5), selisih gold kedua tim di menit ke-6 sudah berbeda 6k untuk keunggulan RRQ yang bermain fokus objektif. Strategi RRQ memancing lawan dengan “fake lord” juga berhasil menipu tim EVOS sebanyak 3 kali. RRQ pun akhirnya menutup perlawan EVOS di menit ke-15 dan mengubah kedudukan menjadi 1 - 0. Match 2 Berusaha bangkit dari kekalahan, EVOS mencoba mengambil 2 hero yang sebelumnya digunakan RRQ, yakni Chou (Marsha) dan Grock (iOS). Sayang Liam bermain dengan sempurna menggunakan Akai dengan pemakaian skill ultimatenya “Hurican Dance”. Tusukan dua jagoan RRQ, Lemon (Alice) dan Tuturu (Harley) semakin membuat permainan EVOS serba salah. Lemon Cs hanya membutuhkan waktu 9 menit untuk menghancurkan markas EVOS dan membuat RRQ selangkah lagi menggenggam gelar juara MPL Season 2. Match 3 Seakan kehabisan akal setelah kalah di dua game awal, EVOS coba meredam permainan brutal tanker RRQ, Liam dengan memilih hero Akai (Marsha) dan Grock (iOS). Uniknya, Liam malah memilih Chou yang di-support oleh InstincT dengan Kaja. Beberapa kali gagal gangking, EVOS malah membuang-buang gold dan exp percuma. Strategi ini justru malah menguntungkan tim RRQ yang memang terkenal licin dan sulit untuk dibunuh. Sang Raja pun kembali membuktikan dominasinya dengan merebut game ketiga di menit 11 dan untuk pertama kali merebut gelar juara Mobile Legends Professional League! Berikut adalah peringkat dan raihan hadiah peserta grand final MPL season 2. Juara: RRQ (total 32000 USD)

Peringkat 2 : EVOS (total 16500 USD)

Peringkat 3: Onic Esports (total 8000 USD)

Peringkat 4: Louvre (total 4500 USD)

Peringkat 5-6: Aerowolf dan Saints Indo (masing-masing total 2500 USD)

Peringkat 7 – 8: SFI dan Bigetron (masing-masing total 1500 USD)

Keberhasilan RRQ menjuarai MPL Season 2 tentu menjadi pencapaian yang pantas melihat penampilan mereka sepanjang playoff yang berlangsung di Surabaya 17 - 18 November 2018. Gelar juara MPL Season 2 semakin lengkap dengan keberhasilan AyamJAGO yang dinobatkan sebagai MVP Final MPL Season 2 berkat penampilan apiknya. AyamJAGO sukses merebut MVP Grand Finals (1000 USD)