Bio

An interdisciplinary artist and fine arts alumnus of Lasalle College of The Arts, Aiman’s practice  has journeyed exhibitions and art fairs from the local stages of Singapore to international platforms in Malaysia, Indonesia, China and the US. Having held three solo exhibitions, he was also profiled alongside ten artists from South East Asia in 2020, in collaboration with ArtSEA on establishing arts-based initiatives for social impact. His current practice--deeply informed by his ongoing studies in Theology at the University of Divinity (AU)--seeks to engage with and dissect philosophical questions within the context of contemporary discourse. This intellectual and creative pursuit has been recognised with accolades such as the Stanton Archer Prize from the University of Divinity in 2022 and 2023, while his passion for art has also been acknowledged by various awards such as the Georgette Chen Scholarship, and the Winston Oh Travel Award.

Artist Statement

Immersed in a dance of existential dichotomies, Aiman’s practice emerges as a pivot between contrasting states. Born into a family of intersecting cultures bound by a common spiritual thread, his upbringing sets the stage for his exploration of the liminal—those spaces that exist on the thresholds of varying dichotomies. His work unfolds this multifaceted experience, echoing his journey through cultural and spiritual intersections, as well as personal transitions.

Steeped in philosophical underpinnings, Aiman's practice probes the subtle territories bridging divergent states—each piece serving as an introspective exploration of chaos and order, permanence and impermanence, and form and formlessness. The visual narratives spun by his art, accentuated by the careful orchestration of light and shadow, invite viewers into the dynamic equilibrium at the heart of these transitional spaces.

By capturing these paradoxical states, he aims to create a stage for existential contemplation—inviting the audience to engage with their own dichotomies and liminal experiences, and perhaps, seek their equilibrium within the upheaval.

Instagram: @aimanamenart

www.aimanart.com

When did you realize you wanted to pursue art professionally?

It dawned upon me as a gradual affirmation during my time in arts college. I’ve always been an outlier, so art has consistently been this incredible tool for me—a language unto itself—that allows me to articulate what I often find inexpressible, helping me address socially sensitive topics that many consider taboo or polarizing. I’ve also always been drawn to creating works that grapple with multifaceted dilemmas: issues of identity and belonging, the tension between individuality and collective thought, the dissonance between the inner and the outer selves—a practice that speaks of a journey that is both personal and universal. Although the conversations I engage in have evolved over time, they're still essentially rooted in those 'what-ifs,' those thought experiments that push us to re-examine the multifaceted nature of who we are—that liminal space where we question, ponder, and yes, sometimes flounder. For some, that gift of storytelling comes through words or speech; for me, I speak most profoundly through art.

Whether fellow artist or friend, who has continued to inspire your work?

I find that it's often the profound, introspective dialogues that truly inspire me. It’s always those 'bread and butter of the soul' conversations—those heartfelt discussions about navigating life's complexities—that often reveal the rawest elements of human experience. I'm talking about fear, discomfort, doubt, and anxiety—all the good stuff that grounds us back to our humanity. And often times I find that writing about these interactions—some of which I share on my website—not only helps me process my thoughts and reflections, but it also holds space for anyone who finds a fragment of their own experiences echoed in them. Of course, I always seek consent from those who've shared these personal conversations with me, and though they usually choose to remain anonymous, the essence of our dialogue—the universal human emotions and struggles we delve into—is something they are more than happy to share.

What do you enjoy exploring through your art?

I’ve always been captivated by the layered complexities of the human experience—liminal spaces where certainty falters and rich complexities arise. It's not just about how we relate to one another but also about how we interact with our surroundings, navigate the peaks and valleys of both individual and shared experiences, and embrace the transitory nature of life's many seasons. There’s just so much to explore—patterns woven through our collective histories, our biology, and how these shape the unique perspectives through which we view the world. But the exploration doesn't stop there; it deepens when these observations intersect with philosophical and spiritual principles. This confluence creates a unique space, one where the empirical and the existential can not only coexist but converse. Capturing this often-overlooked, yet vitally important, sense of unity is a continual journey in my artistic practice.

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Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give your younger self?  

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”—Julian of Norwich

What is one thing you hope your audience walks away with after experiencing/viewing your work?

I hope that my works can offer an avenue for reflection and contemplation. To me, it's essential that the narratives I put forth capture the spectrum of human experiences—our ebbs and flows, and our peaks and valleys, addressing both the simplicities and complexities we navigate in our immediate realities.

I guess the ultimate aim—if I want to try to articulate it—is to offer a lens through which one might see traces of their own lives, complete with its questions, its triumphs, and its uncertainties. Because I think when we can find ourselves in each other’s stories, we all stand to feel a bit more anchored, a bit less isolated, and significantly more understood.