Of leaves, rocks, and the marks of time | 27 April - 5 May 2024, Art Outreach Singapore
Alpana Vij
‘Of leaves, rocks, and the marks of time’, a solo exhibition by Alpana Vij, explores the transience and interconnection inherent in the natural world. Delving into the interplay of fragility and resilience in nature, the works are inspired by observing the passage of time through the marks nature leaves on surfaces - in the erosion, decay, and rust that add a patina to our landscapes - and in the fallen, withered leaves that speak of the cycle of life. In bearing witness to nature’s ways, Alpana seeks to emphasise the intrinsic value of things. About encountering deep lessons from simple things in our everyday environment, when we choose to pause, reflect, and observe with an unconditioned gaze.
In this interview: Alpana Vij, a visual artist, discusses her exhibition "Of Leaves, rocks, and the marks of time" at Art Outreach, which explores the interplay of fragility and strength in nature through paintings, sculptures, and installations made from concrete, stone, and leaves. She highlights her ongoing series of mended leaves, inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, and her use of gold thread from the 1920s. Alpana's work is influenced by the Buddhist concept of Sunyata, emphasising transience and interconnectedness. She faces challenges with unconventional materials like leaves and concrete but finds the process rewarding. The exhibition aims to encourage viewers to slow down and appreciate life's small details.
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[hearth] is a community art space initiative by Art Outreach to support independent Singapore-based practitioners with free space and micro-grant funding to create and exhibit their work. We offer a purpose-built, museum quality space in Gillman Barracks as a platform for diverse mediums and rich artistic explorations, often engaging with social or environmental concerns. Since launching in 2020, we have supported over 60 projects and 220 practitioners.
Follow the artist on social media to keep up with their latest work and upcoming projects.
Alpana Vij - alpanavij
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Chapters:
Introduction 00:00
About the artist 00:18
About the artworks 00:59
Inspiration for artworks 02:25
Takeaways for visitors 03:13
Challenges 05:29
Learning points 05:57
Future projects 07:21