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Om Atman (Victor Bulik) has been called a man of mystery, not because he is mysterious, but because the images in his art provoke as many questions as they provide answers.Why do his female figures pursue the ever ambiguous and elusive spheres? Who are the cowled figures that stand guard in the background? How is it the carefully constructed architecture seems to disappear and reshape in impossible ways? The answers may come from an understanding of Om Atman (Victor Bulik). How is it the carefully constructed architecture seems to disappear and reshape in impossible ways? The answers may come from an understanding of Om Atman (Victor Bulik).

Victor was born in Poland where he was a successful painter, selling work through galleries from the age of seventeen. He studied engineering in Poland but abandoned it for his art and, imbued with the classical and renaissance imagery of European art, he came to Canada in 1969. Here he has become deeply and passionately committed to Eastern philosophy and religion and it is this spirituality which has had the greatest influence on his painting. Several years ago he adopted his spiritual name which he now uses to sign his work, Om Atman. Om represents the primordial sound of creation and Atman is the basic unit of cosmic energy.

Like Chagall, Victor explores spiritual issues in his painting and his poetry, employing various icons and symbols. When asked about his work, he states very simply, "a higher power moves me".
 

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The arches and columns of his imagery suggest the order and reason of classical Western art but, when examined, they often disintegrate into illusion. These temples of civilization are juxtaposed against serenely beautiful landscapes, an oasis of calm and peace. Finely wrought spheres are transparent or solid, weighted , or airborne in defiance of gravity and logic. Elegant female figures wrestle with overwhelming forces while cowled figures stand in meditative solemnity.

The paintings offer paradox and illusion, simplicity and salvation. Tensions between the material and the spiritual, harmony and discord, the immediate and the eternal give energy to the work. Optical illusions challenge our conceptions of space and reality. Formal composition and exquisite detail is balanced with undulating abstractions of form.

Victor's work, like that of all great artists, challenges established precepts. It invites the viewers to open their hearts, minds and souls to a new vision, to quest for inner peace and transcend their worldly desires. It offers hope.

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Victor is an admirer of many great artists, especially Picasso, and Braque for their visionary approach to art making. As well, Henry Moore, for the strength and power of his work, but he refuses to be categorized into any particular style. Classical imagery, concepts that are both contemporary and ageless, and realism with elements of abstraction and symbolism combine to make art that is uniquely and passionately Victor Bulik's.

1999 - Marshail Clark Galleries, Tsawwassen, B.C., 
1993 - Jenkins Showier Gallery, White Rock, B.C., 
1992 - Jenkins Showier Gallery, White Rock, B.C., 
1991 - Jenkins Showier Gallery, White Rock, B.C.

Through much of the 1980’s, Om Atman resided in Toronto and traveled widely in the United States. During this period, his work was displayed in galleries in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.

1988 - Honourable Mention, Art ‘88, Surrey Art Gallery; 
1979 - Fall Art Festival, "Best in Show", Hallandale, Florida; 
1979 - Genesis Galleries, Toronto, Ontario; 
1977 - Elizabeth Kress Gallery, Toronto, Ontario; 
1977 - Mount Royal Art Centre, Montreal, Quebec; 
1976 - Elizabeth Kress Gallery, Toronto, Ontario; 
1975 - Apple Gallery, Toronto, Ontario; 
1975 - Elizabeth Kress Gallery, Toronto, Ontario

President Reagan; 
President Jimmy Carter; 
The Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau;
Dr. Gilles Lauzon, Montreal, Que.; 
The Honourable & Mrs. Carrier Fortin, Sherbrooke,
Dr. A. Mohotkiewicz, Richmond, Va.; 
K.F. Evans Ltd., Vancouver, B.C.; 
Grad Engineering Corp. Surrey, B.C.; 
Westmill industries Limited, Coquitlam, B.C.; 
Westinghouse Electric Co., Buffalo, N.Y.; 
Dr. K. 1. Shah, Houston, Texas; 
The Honourable Stanley Haidasz, Toronto, Ont.; 
Coven Goldman Associates, Cleveland, Ohio; 
Dr. A. Fazeka, Montreal, Que.; 
A.W. Hockridge Ltd., Toronto, Ont.; Professional; 
Consultants Association, Miami, Florida; 
Golden State Transit Corp., Los Angeles, Ca.; 
Eur-Control USA Inc., California; 
D.S. Richards & Associates, California; 
Dr. I. Lancit, Toronto, Ont.; 
Heat Sealing Equipment Canada Ltd., Toronto, Ont.; 
Gold Crown Juices Co. Ltd., Toronto, Ont.; 
Dr. M. Ray, Toronto, Ont,
 

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Om Atman Gallery 9103-140th Street, Vancouver (Surrey), V3V 5Y8 Tel. (778) 218-1338 / omatman@hotmail.com The artist studio is open to the public upon appointment.