For Melbourne- based artist Rehann, hiking, snorkeling and kayaking are as much a part of the creative process as clicking reference photographs and painting plein air. The sheer joy he finds in working with the mercurial nature of watercolor & inks, along with a deep appreciation of nature’s will and sublime beauty, has shaped a personal belief that all truly transformative moments in art and in life, are always a little bit beyond one’s control. ‘Expecting this inherent uncertainty and in fact welcoming it, has made all the difference’ he explains.

Born in southern India, he describes his first impressions of Melbourne as being a palette of greys especially after landing in the middle of winter in 2010. The vegetation felt scarce and dull compared to the vivid colors he was accustomed to, growing up in a quaint town nestled between the lush forests of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.

‘3 months after arriving here my university took us on a day trip to The Great Ocean Road, and I remember seeing shades of blue and earth tones that i had never seen before. Now, 13 years later, when i visit any coastline in the country my eyes are still on a lookout for a new shade or a texture i haven’t seen before, inevitably adding to - My Australian Palette, my ever growing swatch library. Once you SEE a location intimately, its hard not to get ensnared and then enchanted with its unique, particular personality. Experimenting with techniques and colors to represent them, is my favorite part of the process.’

For nearly two decades Rehann painted in traditional watercolor techniques, yet continued searching for a visual vocabulary that could truly capture his awe of Australian seascapes. A transformative journey began when he visited the Great Barrier Reef a decade ago, consequently reshaping his life and art.

Three years of experimentation followed, exploring a vast array of materials and techniques, each iteration infused with the excitement he felt for a new way of representing this familiar subject matter. Snorkeling, scuba diving and aerial photography became intrinsic parts of the creative process, offering an endless well of inspiration and energy. ‘Internalizing this new language and creating in it every day has become both a joy and a privilege’ he explains.

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I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live and work, the Bunurong and Wadawurrung Peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. The Wadawurrung and Bunurong Peoples have and always will belong to the Werribee Yalook (river), creeks, stars, hills and red clay of this Country. I pay respect to their Ancestors and Elders who always have, and always will, care for Country and community today and for future generations.

“Natural forces - wild energies - often have the capacity to frustrate representation.”