INSPIRATION
Welcome to the captivating world of "Expressions," a series of artworks that delves into the rich tapestry of emotions and Singapore's remarkable journey towards independence and prosperity, which explores the harmonious interplay of contrasting emotions and reflects the collective spirit of Singaporeans throughout history.
Within these paintings, you will encounter the profound duality of human experience, where joy and sorrow, ecstasy and agony, love and hate intertwine like threads in an intricate tapestry. Much like Singapore's emergence as an independent state in 1965, these artworks encapsulate the complex range of emotions expressed by its diverse communities, evoking a sense of connection and resonance.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of Yin and Yang, these paintings symbolize the delicate balance between opposing forces found in nature. Like fire and water, light and dark, the emotions depicted in "Expressions" embody the innate harmony and interdependence of these contrasting elements. Each artwork within the series showcases ten pairs of emotions, inviting viewers to explore the interplay and discover the depth of their own emotional landscape.
The human mind serves as the wellspring of our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, with brainwaves acting as the language of communication. Reflecting the principles of Yin and Yang, these brainwaves ebb and flow, forming crests and troughs, mirroring the rhythmic dance of energy in the universe.
Inspired by ancient dramatic art forms such as Chinese opera, Japanese Kabuki theatre, and Greek tragic-comedy, the paintings in "Expressions" embody a timeless and universal appeal. The artist, Mohanbabu, skillfully integrates elements from these classical traditions, while infusing a contemporary minimalist approach inspired by her background in architecture and fashion design. The result is a visual symphony that resonates with audiences, evoking a sense of familiarity and intrigue.
In each artwork, you will encounter visual motifs derived from Kabuki theatre, Chinese opera, and the natural world, intertwined with graceful wave forms. These compositions intentionally eschew defined contours, allowing viewers to engage their imagination and interpret the emotional nuances at play. While the eyes and mouth retain a touch of realism, they serve as portals to the intense emotions being expressed.
The color palette employed in "Expressions" consists of black, white, and red, paying homage to the traditional Yin Yang symbol. Black and white represent opposing forces and contrasts, while red symbolizes vitality and passion. Additionally, the presence of red and white subtly references the colors of the Singaporean flag, forging a connection between the artwork and the nation's identity.
The choice of paper, a medium steeped in the artistic traditions of Japanese and Chinese paintings, adds a sense of authenticity and timelessness to the collection. Alongside this, the utilization of acrylic—a contemporary medium—offers a fusion of old and new, underscoring the theme of Yin and Yang, where tradition meets innovation.
Each painting in the "Expressions" series is a testament to the artist's meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. It is an arduous process that spans approximately three months, from the initial conceptualization to the final creation. The result is a masterful fusion of minimalist aesthetics and profound emotional depth that invites viewers on a journey of self-reflection and introspection.
I invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Expressions," to explore the intricate dance of emotions, and to discover the profound beauty that lies within the harmonious balance of contrasting forces. Allow these artworks to evoke your own personal reflections and enrich your understanding of the human experience.
Within these paintings, you will encounter the profound duality of human experience, where joy and sorrow, ecstasy and agony, love and hate intertwine like threads in an intricate tapestry. Much like Singapore's emergence as an independent state in 1965, these artworks encapsulate the complex range of emotions expressed by its diverse communities, evoking a sense of connection and resonance.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of Yin and Yang, these paintings symbolize the delicate balance between opposing forces found in nature. Like fire and water, light and dark, the emotions depicted in "Expressions" embody the innate harmony and interdependence of these contrasting elements. Each artwork within the series showcases ten pairs of emotions, inviting viewers to explore the interplay and discover the depth of their own emotional landscape.
The human mind serves as the wellspring of our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, with brainwaves acting as the language of communication. Reflecting the principles of Yin and Yang, these brainwaves ebb and flow, forming crests and troughs, mirroring the rhythmic dance of energy in the universe.
Inspired by ancient dramatic art forms such as Chinese opera, Japanese Kabuki theatre, and Greek tragic-comedy, the paintings in "Expressions" embody a timeless and universal appeal. The artist, Mohanbabu, skillfully integrates elements from these classical traditions, while infusing a contemporary minimalist approach inspired by her background in architecture and fashion design. The result is a visual symphony that resonates with audiences, evoking a sense of familiarity and intrigue.
In each artwork, you will encounter visual motifs derived from Kabuki theatre, Chinese opera, and the natural world, intertwined with graceful wave forms. These compositions intentionally eschew defined contours, allowing viewers to engage their imagination and interpret the emotional nuances at play. While the eyes and mouth retain a touch of realism, they serve as portals to the intense emotions being expressed.
The color palette employed in "Expressions" consists of black, white, and red, paying homage to the traditional Yin Yang symbol. Black and white represent opposing forces and contrasts, while red symbolizes vitality and passion. Additionally, the presence of red and white subtly references the colors of the Singaporean flag, forging a connection between the artwork and the nation's identity.
The choice of paper, a medium steeped in the artistic traditions of Japanese and Chinese paintings, adds a sense of authenticity and timelessness to the collection. Alongside this, the utilization of acrylic—a contemporary medium—offers a fusion of old and new, underscoring the theme of Yin and Yang, where tradition meets innovation.
Each painting in the "Expressions" series is a testament to the artist's meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. It is an arduous process that spans approximately three months, from the initial conceptualization to the final creation. The result is a masterful fusion of minimalist aesthetics and profound emotional depth that invites viewers on a journey of self-reflection and introspection.
I invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Expressions," to explore the intricate dance of emotions, and to discover the profound beauty that lies within the harmonious balance of contrasting forces. Allow these artworks to evoke your own personal reflections and enrich your understanding of the human experience.
Expressions - Coming alive
Paintings details
EXPRESSIONS SERIES IS A SET OF 20 PAINTINGS Size : 64 cm X 94 cm
Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Wooden frame
Ready to Hang
Copyright No: VA0002000207
Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Wooden frame
Ready to Hang
Copyright No: VA0002000207
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ECSTASY "Serenading rapture"
Like an exhilarating wave crashing upon the shores of consciousness, this artwork delves into the realms of transcendent bliss. The painting immerses the viewer in a state of heightened euphoria, where mundane boundaries dissolve, and rapture reigns supreme. The image encapsulates the indescribable sensation of uncontainable joy, as if riding atop a tidal surge of exultation, carrying the soul to sublime realms of ecstasy. 
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AGONY "Tumultuous anguish"
Amidst relentless suffering and unbearable anguish, tumultuous waves of torment crash upon one's senses. Jagged lines radiate outward, encapsulating the unrest that accompanies profound agony. This artwork captures the raw experience of anguish, depicting a distorted cry of pain accompanied by spasms. Symbolically, the lightning motif, a potent emblem found in diverse cultural contexts, emphasizes the profound intensity of the portrayed agony. The zigzag Thunderbolt, reminiscent of both Buddhism's enlightenment symbol and the weapon of the king of gods in Greek and Hindu mythology, further adds depth to the artwork's meaning 
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LOVE "Whisper of butterflies"
In the gentlest of gestures, an expression of love emerges—a delicate, ephemeral touch akin to the fluttering of butterfly wings. The painting embraces the viewer with a profound tenderness and passionate affection, evoking emotions that transcend words. The imagery portrays a human visage seamlessly blending with the form of a butterfly, a symbol of grace and transformation, as if capturing the essence of a whispered butterfly kiss. 
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HATE "Gaze of daggers, Oh! If looks could kill!"
Intense hostility pierces the very soul through a gaze that emanates pure hatred. Dagger-like forms transfix the eyes, sharp and unyielding, embodying the destructive power of loathing. This painting captures the visceral impact of disdain, where a single glance can wound as deeply as any weapon. The viewer is confronted with the primal intensity of animosity, a chilling reminder of the dark depths within humanity. 
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JOY "Effervescent mirth"
A celebration of sheer delight! Like effervescent bubbles dancing in a glass of champagne, this artwork captures the essence of joy and laughter. Each bubble represents a moment of unbridled happiness, fleeting yet eternally cherished. The painting depicts a face reminiscent of a delicate wine glass, with lively bubbles bursting forth and reforming, mirroring the exuberant laughter that emanates from within. 
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SORROW "Tears of melancholy"
Immersed in a torrent of tears, this poignant expression encapsulates profound sadness and a sense of emotional dissolution. The artist's brush delicately traces the delicate contours of sorrow, where tears flow freely and unimpeded. Each brushstroke symbolizes the weight of grief, evoking a profound empathy for the pain of the human experience. 
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SINGING "Song-bird’s melody"
Whether the powerful trill of an opera singer or the sweet serenade of a nightingale, the painting depicts a duet of songbirds perched on the singer's shoulder. The artwork embodies the notion of harmonious unity as the avian duo unleashes their voices in unison, creating a full-throated opera of melodious beauty. The image invites the viewer to be enraptured by the enchanting symphony of their song. 
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SCREECHING "Discordant outcry"
Liberated from the entangling grip of a strangling vine, a discordant cry of frustrated outburst pierces the air. The painting captures the unwinding of pent-up fury through harsh, open-throated forms. The screeching image embodies the release of suppressed emotions, reverberating with an intense and dissonant energy. 
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ENIGMA "Captivated by shifting emotions"
Engulfed in a cloud of ambiguity, this enigmatic expression invites interpretation, ranging from sorrow to happiness, or even flirtation. The painting presents a face biting the lip, an expression that remains a mystery, open to individual perception. The artwork's cloud-like or maze-like form reflects the complexity of the enigma, captivating the viewer's imagination. 
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THINKING "Pensive web”Like delicate spiders suspended as jewels, a woven web of interconnected memories bridges the realms of past and present thoughts. The painting embodies the act of deep contemplation, akin to the intricate strands of a spider's web, allowing access to a labyrinth of hidden musings, much like the vast expanse of the world wide web.
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STUNNED "Awe-struck withdrawal"
Overwhelmed by the unexpected impact of shocking news or emotions, undulating lines convey a sense of stunned withdrawal. The painting portrays a profile with eyes reflecting this expression, while recoiling hair symbolizes the surprise-induced state of being stunned, momentarily frozen in disbelief. 
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RAGE "Venomous onslaught"
With the furious intensity of explosive anger, jagged lines embody the striking movement of venomous fangs atop the head. The artwork captures the raw and unleashed power of rage, evoking a sense of aggression and destructive energy. It symbolizes the ferocity and uncontrolled nature of this intense emotion. 
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PASSION "Entangled seduction"
Like the sinuous embrace of tentacles, this painting captures the allure of passion, drawing one into its captivating grip. The curving lines symbolize the seductive nature of desire, enticing the viewer to indulge in life's pleasures. Just as an octopus ensnares its prey, the artwork evokes the power and intensity of passionate pursuits. 
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DISTASTE "Contorted scorn"
Through twisted and gnarled forms, the painting intensifies the contemptuous and scornful attitude of distaste. The contorted imagery serves as a visual manifestation of disdain and disharmony, evoking a sense of aversion and disapproval. The artwork reflects the winding discord that arises from a deep-rooted sense of contempt. 
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WINK "Alluring flutter of lashes"
In a fleeting moment, a flirtatious blink of an eye accompanied by a seductive sway of lashes beckons intrigue. The painting captures the essence of drawing attention, an interested gaze that invites connection. It conveys the power of attraction, as a single wink holds the ability to captivate and entice, leaving a lingering sense of curiosity and allure. 
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YAWN "Detached introspection"
In the transitional state between wakefulness and slumber, where theta brain waves dominate, one finds a detached introspection. The bat takes flight, symbolizing an awakening to reality. The painting reflects the disinterested yawn, the moment when reflection reaches its end, evoking a sense of detachment from the mundane routines, succumbing to the restful embrace of night. 
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MEDITATIVE "Transcendent mist of rapture"
Immersed in a state of serene contemplation, the mind ascends to ethereal heights. The painting portrays misty waves rising heavenward, representing the mist of rapture experienced in meditative states. It captures the essence of tranquil calmness, where focused thoughts intertwine with a sense of spiritual elevation, inviting the viewer to engage in a higher realm of consciousness. 
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TEASING SMILE "Igniting blossoms"
A smile that ignites a spark, like blossoming flames dancing in the wind. The painting captures the essence of a playful and teasing smile, represented by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. Just as the Singapore national flower, the orchid, symbolizes beauty and growth, the artwork reflects the allure and seduction of a smile that draws one into the joys and pleasures of life. 
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DREAMY “Chimerical haze"
Curving and shifting lines create a misty and elusive atmosphere, enveloping the senses in an ethereal reverie. The painting evokes a dreamy state, where reality merges with illusion. The chimerical haze hints at the enchantment and wonderment found within the realm of dreams, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in the mystical and otherworldly. 
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SMILE "Blossoming aspirations"
Like delicate flowers in full bloom, a smile represents the fulfillment of dreams on the canvas of life. The painting captures the radiant beauty and joy expressed through a smile, symbolizing the blossoming of hopes, aspirations, and inner happiness. Each petal of the floral imagery mirrors the genuine and uplifting nature of a heartfelt smile. 
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