Arts Thread

William Okaily
Mount Royal school of art multidisciplinary mfa

Maryland institute college of art

Graduates: 2024

Specialisms: Fine Art / Painting / Art Direction

My location: Richmond, United States

william-okaily ArtsThread Profile
Maryland institute college of art

William Okaily

william-okaily ArtsThread Profile

First Name: William

Last Name: Okaily

University / College: Maryland institute college of art

Course / Program: Mount Royal school of art multidisciplinary mfa

Graduates: 2024

Specialisms: Fine Art / Painting / Art Direction

My Location: Richmond, United States

Website: Click To See Website

About

I offer a visual symphony where each artwork is a distinct melody within a larger harmonic framework. The common formal themes—the vibrato of the line, the polyphony of textures, the deliberate arrangement of space, and a color palette that shifts from the delicate whispers of woodwinds to the bold fortissimos of trumpets—compose the elaborate orchestral arrangement of my practice. Each piece emerges as a haptic concerto, deeply anchored in the concrete reality of its medium, engaging in a sensory exploration that echoes with both spiritual transportation and audible presence.I approach my artistic practice as an act of optimism, rooted in the belief that abstraction unveils the nuanced beauty of our world. Each artwork invites pause and reflection, encouraging appreciation of the grandeur in the granular. Like a musician meticulously molding complex harmonies into a singular, sonorous note, I distill visual complexities into their essence, transforming each piece into a meditative experience. Experimentation with structure versus organic freeness fosters a dialogue between my control and the paint's inherent agency, enhancing each painting's dual nature as both image and object. This methodical reduction prompts me to step away from 'seeing the bigger picture' only to reconnect with it through the most delicate and intricate strokes.I engage with painting in a traditional and disruptive manner. Each piece embarks on a journey, exploring the realms of sculpture, installation, and performance before returning to the canvas—renewed and enriched. This cross-pollination extends beyond the visual arts, drawing from the rich reservoirs of literature, philosophy, and history. These disciplines enrich the narrative depth, deepen the conceptual inquiries, and contextualize the themes of my work, collectively challenging and expanding my experimental boundaries. The fusion of diverse intellectual traditions propels my artistic endeavors and enables a continual reinvention of my expressive vocabulary, ensuring that each creation resonates with contemporary and timeless dialogues.

Les Aiguilles de Zola

Gouache and gesso on canvas 70’’x58’'