Artist Talk, forms . residue

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

Exhibition Duration: 30 September to 4 October 2026 | Wed-Fri, 1PM-7PM. Sat - Sun, 1PM-6PM

Opening Reception: 2 October (Fri.), 5:30PM–8:30PM

Artist Talk: 3 October (Sat.), 3PM–4PM

"form . residue" is a solo exhibition exploring the beauty of the Earth's overlooked materials through two interconnected bodies of work: "Ashma" and "Mrida". Mrida, derived from Sanskrit, means earth, soil, or clay, while Ashma means stone or rock. Together, they reflect the elemental materials that shape our landscapes, histories, and built environments.

Working with acrylic, limestone, natural earth pigments, and mineral-based materials, the abstract paintings draw directly from the colours, textures, and geological formations found within soil and stone. Layered surfaces and organic marks reveal the complexity embedded in these seemingly ordinary materials, challenging the perception of earth as merely "brown dirt" and stone as simply "grey rock."

"form . residue" encourages a renewed way of seeing—one that uncovers the subtle beauty and complexity of earth and stone. Rather than reducing these materials to muted, monochromatic surfaces, the exhibition reveals their rich spectrum of colours, and textures, inviting viewers to appreciate the elegance of the world beneath their feet.

About Artist

Aparna Chakravarty is a Singapore-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice is inspired by the natural world. Working across painting and ceramics, she explores colour, texture, pattern, and material through process-driven experimentation. Earth, water, and the sea are recurring sources of inspiration, informing works that reflect on nature's subtle transformations and rhythms.

Working with acrylic alongside natural earth pigments, clay, limestone, and mineral pigments, Aparna embraces the unique qualities of each material. Her recent practice centres on using earth pigments and mineral pigments sourced from different regions of the world, alongside pigments she has developed from potting soil, revealing the remarkable diversity of colours found within the Earth's natural materials.

Aparna's works are held in private collections across India, the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

About INSTINC Space

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.

INSTINC continues to foster creative individuals and collective practitioners by establishing a platform for cross-disciplinary exchanges with their relocation in Tanjong Pagar Distripark. With expertise in exhibition curation, commissioned works and brand alliances, INSTINC endeavours as a vital presence in the cultivation of contemporary art.