BELLOWS FALLS — Canal Street Art Gallery, 23 Canal Street, presents “Sacred Geometry,” the first solo show by artist John van der Does. It features paintings of brightly colored abstract mathematical designs inspired by the yoga tradition of the yantra. The solo show is on view from Aug. 3 through Sept. 10.
The public is invited to a yoga session with the artist, on Friday, Aug. 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., for a unique gallery event. The event is free and space is limited. Participants may use the gallery to practice their yoga postures together with the artist. Van der Does will share his practice, which includes studies in Sanskrit and the use of mantras and yantras in meditation. Bring your own yoga mat.
In this exhibit, van der Does explores the use of sacred geometry as meditation and a personal spiritual path. The show also includes sketchbook drawings and the artist's newest work with zen circles.
A yantra is a precise geometrical design that visually expresses the yoga practice. Mantras are sounds that verbally express the vibrations of a yantra pattern. There are many mantras and yantras in Hinduism, each is associated with a personified deity, as well as possessing its own significance and usage.
Van der Does' work is similar to the colors and patterns of Hilma af Klimt's abstract paintings which garnered much attention at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 2018–19. Like van der Does, Klimt's paintings grew directly out of her spiritual practice and reflected an effort to articulate mystical views of reality.
John van der Does is based in Andover, Vermont, and is a lifelong yoga practitioner and teacher. Van der Does completed yoga teacher training at Sivinanda Yoga Camp in Val Morin, Quebec. He has studied Sanskrit at the American Sanskrit Institute. Most recently, he has taught at Studio Time and Space, in Springfield, Vermont.
Van der Does's yoga practice includes study of the Hindu liturgical language of Sanskrit; the physical discipline of asanas, or postures; the verbal use of mantras; and the visual practice of drawing yantras.
Canal Street Art Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to canalstreetartgallery.com online, or contact Mike at 802-289-0104 or artinfo@canalstreetartgallery.com.