NICEAUNTIES | SHOWROOM

EXPANDED.ART and Fellowship are delighted to present AUNTIEDOTE, Niceaunties’ first solo exhibition in Germany, on the occasion of Gallery Weekend Berlin. On view will be new surreal videos from the AUNTIEVERSE created by the artist with AI, showing a world where every suppressed being could exist freely and without judgement.

Born in the 1980s, during the nation-building years of Singapore, the artist behind Niceaunties experienced a childhood shaped by the influential women in their family. From infancy to the age of nine, they lived with grandparents, aunties, and uncles while their parents worked. This upbringing was heavily influenced by the women of the household, as cultural norms dictated their primary role in childcare. Their early life was marked by the presence of remarkable women, including a great-grandmother who had experienced bound feet, a grandmother who transitioned from a life dedicated to kitchen duties to two decades of bedridden existence, and a sociable mother, along with eleven aunties. These women, embodying a spectrum of suppressed talents, passions, and dreams, were a mix of strange, funny, mean, and kind personalities, fueling the narrative of Niceaunties.

In the broader societal context, a distinct 'auntie culture' emerged in the region, forming a cultural cloud that persists today. The term "auntie" in this context refers to an older woman, often characterized by traits of resourcefulness, adherence to rules, traditionalism, and a tendency to be opinionated. Stemming perhaps from the austerity of a pioneering nation, this 'survival mechanism' often paints 'the auntie' in a less than flattering light. However, the artist recognizes the inherent unfairness in this perception, seeing the auntie as a figure doing her best in familiar ways, sometimes offering well-intentioned, albeit unsolicited, advice.

Niceaunties was conceived as a response to these experiences. They represent the collective subconscious of all aunties, celebrating self-love, risk-taking, fun, and freedom through self-expression. It provides a unique perspective on endearing, absurd, and sometimes negative behaviors. It serves as a commentary on societal norms imposed on women and the efforts women make to conform to these expectations. Niceaunties is a gentle yet powerful rebellion against these constraints.

The exhibition AUNTIEDOTE builds on the AUNTIEVERSE series, spotlighting auntie culture's unique take on beauty and fashion. The videos offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life within the AUNTIEVERSE, highlighting the endearing and quirky behaviors that define auntie culture. From their distinctive approach to fashion to their unconventional beauty hacks, these narratives celebrate the individuality and influence of aunties. The accompanying prints encapsulate these themes, providing a static reflection of the dynamic world of aunties. AUNTIEDOTE is an invitation to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of auntie culture, with all its charm and eccentricity, and its impact on the broader spheres of beauty and fashion.