Sahaj Patel

The surreal abstract compositions of Sahaj Patel negotiate a fine line between control and chance, or more accurately, they cross that line repeatedly within the same piece. The Indian artist and mathematician situates his work within the tradition of fractal art, which involves both the creation and tweaking of functions and programs, and a level of surrender, of giving over the process and result to a familiar yet not wholly predictable system of permutations and revisions. Patel’s prints feature dazzling patterns, blends, reflections and oozing forms, a stunning fusion and overlapping of hard geometric structures and amorphous, organic entities.

His works – always rendered in black, white and grey – often adhere to one dominant organic style, be it a rippling fluidity, dramatic smokiness, unpredictable combustion, or the measured sequencing of flower petals. Deploying his system of dots, lines, layers and shapes, Patel composes superb images that appear obviously artificial in their hard edges and high-contrast palettes, yet beautifully natural and mysterious in their enveloping curves.