Tracing the spaces memory leaves behind

Indian visual artist Lalit Mohan Singh is showcasing 'Inner Yards: Unmapped Memories,' a solo exhibition at Artudio’s Patan Wing in Lalitpur, running until July 15. This exhibit represents the culmination of Singh’s participation in the Artudio International Artist Residency (AIAR), during which he created a new body of work in Kathmandu.

The collection delves into themes of memory, absence, light, and time, envisioning spaces that, while not geographically mapped, feel intimately familiar. Singh’s painting technique involves layering, scraping, erasure, and reconstruction. Doorways, walls, passages, and shifting light are depicted not as literal architectural studies but as echoes of remembered places. His observations of Nepal's built and cultural environment during his residency subtly inform the exhibition's aesthetic.

Originally from Dehradun, India, Singh spent nearly two decades as a marine engineer. While his art does not directly depict ships or oceans, it translates the profound psychological impact of maritime life, such as silence, isolation, pressure, and endurance, into tranquil visual narratives. Through the AIAR program, Singh connected with Nepal's art community via studio visits, gallery exhibitions, artist discussions, and cultural events, fostering artistic research, intercultural dialogue, and creative exchange.