Rohit Vedant’s Microscopic Strokes: A Meditative Approach To Art

The Singapore-based artist lets himself go through a reticulated network of microscopic strokes.

“Brightside” from 2024. Artwork courtesy © Rohit Vedant (Sold)

The problem with writing this is that it may be exhaustingly biased. I’ve known Rohit Vedant (1993) almost my entire adulthood; we’ve lived together. So yes, I know him really well. Our friendship blossomed at the sight of each other’s sketchbook. Our kinship has deepened through our shared pursuit of creative expression and occasional self-deprecating humor; I’ve joked about the perfect eulogy he’s obligated to perform for me on several occasions.

But I learned something new about my dear friend through his new five-part series–– a parade of penciled artworks. At first glance, you may think he has completely abandoned his design arsenals; he uses theoretically sinful colors in this series. You could understand why, given he has moved away from practicing design. ‘Mahogany’ (2024) weaves baby blues against a striking red-violet; it wouldn’t be my first palette choice–– it induces a lasting and palpable visual malaise.

But it is this very attempt that characterizes his exploration: brave, which suggests he has since graduated from theoretical mores. The body of penciled artworks harbors microscopic strokes, creating reticulated patterns, which produce his striking vision, credited to the volume to which these granular lines build upon each other. The experience of viewing his works is fuller up-close. ‘Brightside’ (2024) leverages the hues of Stone Grey as a contrast to the sum of Forest Green, Mandarin Orange, Cobalt Blue, and Ember Red, making it the most visually charismatic piece out of his five works. Blink, and you might see Henry Mattise’s influence at work.

1. “Getaway” from 2024. Artwork courtesy © Rohit Vedant (Available)

2. Rohit Vedant speaking about his artworks, 2024. Photograph courtesy © Shukri Shukor

These bursts of colors, just like his approach, are experimental. While some would mistake it as pointlessly messy, his intentions are crystal clear; the teeming complexities of these strokes speak to his intentions as he deemed them: intentional. The problem with most budding artists is that they begin with a finished work in mind–– setting themselves up for disappointment; it builds up a crippling anxiety in laying the first ink on paper. What do I paint? What is my signature style? What do I want to say? These are some questions I myself have asked introspectively. Rohit’s unwavering sense of self disposes all self-doubts; he lets them all go, laying each stroke with a clear mind and letting it guide his way to completion. He employs new pressures, tips of different tinted colors, each time, from varied directions—this habit grows almost trance-like, discovering the work’s pictorial language. A complete work is a picture-imperfect reminder that it is okay to follow where the wind blows.

His technique might seem rebellious and a radical act against our nature for absolute control and perfection. But isn’t perfection in itself flawed? It cripples ourselves at any attempt even to begin.

Rohit Vedant preparing to exhibit his artworks, 2024. Photograph courtesy © Shukri Shukor 

Rohit marries his patience in letting the work find itself with his acceptance of its unpredictability across all five of his works: ‘Brightside,’ ‘Provenance,’ ‘Getaway,’ ‘Mahogany’ and, ‘Blackoak.’ No two works are the same; some have since been sold to an audience in an exhibition last April.

In my entire adulthood, I’ve seen Rohit at his highs and lows: how his ambitions were outstripped by his ability after he left his full-time job to devote himself to creative endeavors and how he’s revived his voice and tenacity through this new collection. Much like our friendship, the impact of his new works, will last forever. This series is not his last stop; he has more repertoires to exercise, and we can expect more art from him in the year. ♦

Interested in collecting a piece? Email a time for a private viewing of his available artworks hello@iandanmari.studio