Aswin Thomas John is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves deeply into the human condition, exploring identity, mental health, trauma, dreams, and social justice. His artistic practice draws from his education in psychology, literature, and art history, as well as his experiences across various cultural settings.
Using photography, serigraphy, installation, and digital media, he creates immersive spaces that engage viewers with complex narratives, inviting them to reflect on themes of resilience, longing, and belonging.
Aswin is currently pursuing an MFA in Arts and Humanities at the Royal College of Arts, having previously completed a BFA at Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts. His professional journey includes roles as a graphic designer, illustrator, and art trainee, alongside volunteer work supporting underprivileged youth. His artistic contributions have been showcased in notable exhibitions, including the 2023 Degree Show at Raja Ravi Varma College and solo shows he curated, such as Ecstasy by Mahima Mathew and The Gift of Solitude by Pranav Pradeep. Aswin has actively participated in workshops, including the 2022 Art Camp by Camlin and the 2020 Graphics Workshop at Raja Ravi Varma College, honing his skills and expanding his artistic vision.
Portfolio
The foundation of my artistic practice is an investigation of the human condition, with an emphasis on the connections between identity, mental health, trauma, dreams, and social justice. I work with photography, serigraphy, installation, and digital media to create immersive spaces that encourage spectators to interact with intricate storylines and consider their own viewpoints and experiences. I take inspiration for my work from my experiences traversing various cultural settings as well as my education in psychology, literature, and art history. Through the integration of documentary and conceptual photography, my objective is to seize intimate and vulnerable moments that speak to the universal themes of resilience, longing, and belonging. The method I used to do my works is by doing a watercolour wash on Photostat print of images and then use soft pastels, other methods of works are serigraphy and digital art. I do convert most of my works into serigraphy and digital art so that I can take multiple prints of the same image by doing these methods I am also questioning the originality of the work of art more precisely is it REAL or FAKE and it is also connected to the Plato’s “theory of forms” My artistic practice is centred on engaging with contemporary socio-political contexts because I think that art has the ability to question prevailing narratives, spark critical discourse, and promote empathy and understanding. I want to elevate underrepresented voices and promote social change through works like "Scream," "Ephialtes," a series of works highlighting PTSD and nightmare experiences. My approach to creating art has been significantly shaped by collaborative and collective practice. Working alongside others, whether through community-based projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, or participatory workshops, has fostered an open, experimental, and mutually supportive spirit. Throughout my career, I hope to delve more into my particular area of interest—the potential of collaborative storytelling as a tool for group empowerment and healing.
