Vayu -   The soul remains the same…   15 - 28th October 2009

 

 

‘The soul remains the same’ is an exhibition of new works by figurative artist Vayu to be opened by Helen Norton at 7pm on 15th October at Linton and Kay Contemporary, 123 Hay Street, Subiaco.

Figurative artist, Vayu has completed a collection of more than twenty drawn paintings on canvases that measure up to two metres tall for his coming exhibition at Linton and Kay Contemporary, Subiaco. The canvases feature life size figure drawings that look out the picture window with an awareness that they are the topic of conversation.

Vayu refers to a wide range of identities, from the famous and fabulous to the humble and forgotten, often using them to represent archetypal images which he references in titles such as, ‘the outlaw’, ‘the vagrant’ ‘the saint’ and ‘the queen’. Vayu is less concerned with the political position of the identities he selects to draw, wanting instead to show his audience that despite the obvious differences there is this deeper level which connects us all. Vayu suggests that “in essence we are all the same.” He sees this connection through the eyes which he considers the window to the soul.

Vayu cleverly positions each of his subjects within his compositions to enhance their impact. ‘The queen’ stands regal, tall and proud looking down on us and contrasting with the unguarded gaze of ‘the giraffe’ or ‘the artist’ who looks circumspect as he is placed left of centre.

All of the figures are drawn with expressive line upon a canvas base which has been prepared with six layers of sanded gesso to produce a velvet smooth surface. The primed canvas allows the oil washes and stains to soak under its skin while allowing the graphite to flow across the paintings plane. These mediums offer Vayu the immediacy and expression of the drawn image with a permanency and quality of a painting.

Vayu is also known as Michael Commerford of Michael Commerford Galleries in Sydney. He ran this gallery for thirty years during which time he represented artists such as Helen Norton and Brendon Darby. In 2004 Vayu was inspired to draw again and is now working as a full time artist. He uses the figure to convey his concepts, deeply intrigued by the human condition and our spiritual connections. To enable him to practice unconscious life drawing techniques Vayu began to draw with his left hand although he is right handed. He believes that this process unlocks greater expression and a more languid line.

‘The soul remains the same’ runs for just two weeks at Linton and Kay Contemporary on 123 Hay Street in Subiaco. It is an opportunity for those that enjoy figurative artwork and the expression of the drawn line.

For more information contact Pip Hearle, Gallery Manager, on (08) 9388 0067
or pip@lkgalleries.com.au