By APARNA ASHOK

9th to 24th December 2022

Monday to Saturday 2pm – 5pm

Opening on Friday 9th December at 4.30pm

INTRODUCTION

How can you ever know who you are, if you feel like you don’t belong? 

“Unseen Realities” is an exhibition that draws our attention to feelings of confusion and

estrangement ethnic minority groups are often left with, whilst trying to navigate life in a

predominantly white society.

Drawing on personal experience, the narrative around the work addresses intimate

feelings of  ‘otherness’  faced as an Indian living abroad. The installations invite the viewer

to actively participate and engage with the work and also consider the role of white

supremacy in creating underlying tensions and discourse between concepts of social and

personal identity and cultural racism.

Perhaps you identify with the narrative or see parts of yourself in the subjects. If we take a

closer look at the workings of society, is it fair for us to constantly feel this urge to change

ourselves and to please others to fit in? Why must we have to wear a mask and live a lie?

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Aparna Ashok commonly known as Chaos, is a Multisensory artist, self-portrait

photographer and performer who constantly finds herself shuttling between India and the

UK. She is driven by research and curiosity about the complexities of human experience

and identity. 

Before graduating with an MA in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art,

Aparna completed her BA in Visual Arts at Stella Maris College in Chennai, India.

Aparna’s work centres around social benefit through the creation of scenarios and

opportunities for interaction. She often finds herself working with themes pertaining to

identity, death and rituals.  Her practice is rooted in creating curated designed

experiences.

ARTIST STATEMENT

What’s the point in creating work that pleases people? It has no impact, it doesn’t change

a thing. People are still selfish and apathetic towards each other. As I explore the different

facets of my practice, I’ve found meaning in creating work that has the power to disturb,

provoke and disorient, by transforming spaces and altering realties. Times have changed

significantly and we live in a world that is becoming more and more desensitised towards

life and the everyday.  I see my work as a rude awakening to people who choose to forget

and ignore the reality we’re trapped in. 

My curiosity has led me to follow topics revolving around death and identity and the role

they play in society. My work is built on questions, in a way it is a reflection of my

personality. I ask questions to help me better understand myself and the world around me.

My artistic practice is extremely participatory and relies heavily on audience interaction.

This is inspired by the principles behind rituals and ritualistic actions. It’s always fascinated

me how rituals have the power to transform a person from one state of being into another.

I employ this method in my work to better engage my audience to facilitate change.