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Drawing inspiration from those around him

Published: 4 March 2012

Aquil Virani is a visual artist studying at McGill. He's not your typical, stark individualist, stand-alone artist. Virani is unique in that he prefers to collaborate with others and include everyday people in his work. In December 2011, his ideals of collaboration materialized when he completed a live painting for a TEDxMcGill event. This month, at the Fridge Door Gallery, Virani's show COPYCAT attempts to blur the lines between plagiarism and original art. Tired of hearing his friends say "I can't draw," Virani has taken simple doodles from strangers and friends and compiled them into a visually compelling original artwork. I had the chance to speak with Virani about his new show, his inspiration, and that infamous TEDx event.

...MD: What do you study at McGill and how does that influence your work (or does it)?

AV:My path has been an interesting journey, starting in Science in first year, exploring liberal arts in my second year, working mostly in Philosophy in third year, and focusing on Marketing in my final year. The most influential courses have been those in Management because they help me understand the business of art and what I need to do to be successful in the "real world". It's not easy making it as an artist, and the tools of entrepreneurship apply extremely well to artists.

Read full article: McGill Daily, March 4, 2012

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