DETAIL: Non-Sequitur Series #2, ink on paper, 11x15, 2020.

​​Haren Vakil presents
Line in Motion
at the Gage Gallery, February 16 - March 7, 2021
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Line in Motion features a remarkable series of nearly 20 recent ink drawings. Each drawing is a new world to discover and leads the viewer on a merry chase. Vakil’s precise linework defines weird and wonderful shapes and forms. There are imagined creatures great and small, which unfold and intermingle within the densely packed scenarios. Absurd amalgamations of fish, flora, birds, insects, people and musical instruments abound. All is in motion, morphing and meandering, designed to dazzle the eye and puzzle the mind. Because the content is nonsensical, Vakil has titled his series non sequiturs.

Non-Sequitur Series #1, ink on paper, 11x15, 2020.

Non-Sequitur Series #2, ink on paper, 11x15, 2020.

“My artwork is meant to delight and surprise,” Vakil says, “there is no serious message in my content.” However, there is a serious amount of skill in the execution of the complex compositions. Vakil’s painting and drawing skills arise from years of experience and formal education. In 2019, jurors at the 2019 Sooke Fine Art Show gave Directions Unknown an Award of Excellence. Jurors praised the artist’s outstanding technical skill and unique personal vision. “Haren’s artwork stood out,” recalls juror Richard Motchman, “the humour and drama shone within the surrealistic genre.”

Haren Vakil holds an Architecture degree from MS University in Baroda, India and a Fine Art diploma from the Victoria College of Art. His birthplace is the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, India. He describes the city’s energy as a visual kaleidoscope of images. “India is a surreal place,” he says, “the juxtaposition of sacred and profane, grandeur and squalor is ongoing and profound.”  Other artistic influences include his experiences with urban design, diverse cultures, music - especially jazz.

Non-Sequitur Series #3, ink on paper, 15x11, 2020

Non-Sequitur Series #4, ink on paper, 15x11, 2020

In his late 20’s, in the Netherlands, Vakil was an architect practicing urban design. The historic town he lived in was called Den Bosch and housed the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre. Bosch (1450-1515) was a renowned surrealist painter of allegorical and religious themes. The Garden of Earthly Delights (1510) features frolicking figures, nonsensical forms and a macabre depiction of hell. “I peered closely at the bizarre images and was fascinated by their complexity,” he recalls. “I had no idea they talked about sin and the dangers of damnation.”

Another Flemish artist who influenced Vakil is Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1525-1570). Brueghel’s drawing The Big Fish Eat the Little Fish (1556) is a fantastical assortment of fish forms, A whale-like carcass is the central image. Smaller fish pour from a gash in the whale’s side. Brueghel’s allegorical tale is packed with queasy humour and social commentary. Vakil’s drawings show similar arrangements of dislocated forms and odd situations. But Vakil’s images are meant to be humorous, not morally instructive, they entertain us with bizarre attachments and appendages.

Non-Sequitur Series #5, ink on paper, 11x15, 2020.

Non-Sequitur Series #6, ink on paper, 11x15, 2020.

Vakil’s artistic process involves several steps. He starts by sketching out his ideas which bubble up from his subconscious.
“I doodle constantly,” he says, “on whatever paper is available". Some of these doodles are chosen to be design elements in full-scale compositions. He uses sturdy non-acid paper with deckle edges for both his larger (22x30 inch) and smaller (11x15 inch) works. Once a drawing is underway, Vakil’s drafting background surfaces in the detailed linework. The structure is built from a series of connected and flowing lines, and is carefully balanced. His knowledge of urban design shows in brick buildings, dome structures, stairways and portals into the unknown. Attention is paid to positive and negative spaces, and the formal arrangement of shapes. Three-dimensional elements are created by altering perspectives and adding shading. He uses ink washes in tonal ranges from light gray to black for shading.

Haren Vakil celebrates his third year as a member of the Gage Gallery Art Collective. He appreciates the variety of styles and professional dedication of his colleagues. “We all get along and support each other,” he says.Visitors to Vakil’s show can experience Paul Klee’s famous maxim first hand: A line is a dot that went for a walk. As for Vakil’s original technique, this statement by Klee also applies: An artist has found their style when they cannot do otherwise.

Haren Vakil welcomes your interest.
Email: [email protected] or Phone: ‭(250) 592-8488‬
Artist will be in attendance on the following dates: 
February 16 (2:00 - 5:00)
February 18 (11:00 - 2:00)
February 20 (2:00 - 5:00)
February 21 (12:00 - 4:00)
February 28 (12:00 - 4:00)
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Gage Gallery Arts Collective, 2031 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, V8R 1E5, 250 592-2760 
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00 
Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00. 

Haren Vakil in studio on Jan 12, 2021

Haren's show looks terrific and features a variety of sizes and prices. Gabriela Hirt interviewed Haren on Feb 20 which is posted on Instagram as a video. Hirt's journalism skills shone and Kate got to add a few comments. It was fun!

​View instagram video here:   https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLhjgIDFOm3/?igshid=1b3dp07jynpcy

Haren Vakil on Feb 20 interviewed by Gabriela Hirt for Instragram.

Haren Vakil on Feb 18 at Gage Gallery

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​Web Design and Content by Kate Cino
Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. 
History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from 
​the University of Victoria
​
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​[email protected]  250 598-4009