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ARTIST STATEMENT – BY ALI VAN GODIL

Universal love through light, colors and movement. My soul expresses itself through visual creations and ethereal abstract textures that spark life.

There is no plan here. No polished manifesto, no cool cathedral of postmodern clarity. This is the inner child paint-slinging at the edge of reason and spiritual seeking; a riot of color and memory and code, stitched together with the jittery fingers of a soul caught between pixels and Islamic poetry.

I make images the way some people scream in traffic: involuntarily, and with the conviction of the damned. These are not “pieces.” They are transmissions; echoes from some high-frequency dream-world where Karachi meets Kubrick, where language fractures under the weight of inherited memory, enlightenment and systems logic. I was born into a liminal zone: part-designer, part-dissenter, wholly unfit for office life or polite gallery openings. My work reflects that—part rebellion, part relic, a devotional offering to God.

If you squint hard enough, you’ll see it: the fragments of a digital identity, collapsing and rebuilding itself on a loop called human experience. That’s not a glitch, it’s the point. You ever try to be yourself in a world that keeps redrawing your face in 1080p and telling you who you should be? Quieter. More agreeable. A silent victim of neo-colonial cartography and propaganda. That’s the war I’m fighting. And the only weapons I’ve got are abstraction, symbolism, faith and an anxious-avoidant relationship with Western aesthetics.

My colors scream because I don’t. My compositions burn because something has to besides the heart of Christ. Call it a visual algorithm for survival. Call it a post-colonial blissful hallucination. Call it whatever helps you sleep tonight. But don’t call it pretty. I’m not here to decorate your apartment, I’m here to break the simulation and smuggle a piece of soul out with me.

This isn’t art. It’s a flare shot from inside the machine staring at the heavens. Do you see me?

(Draw what you feel)
*anything made with love has perfect results.
Info
A

Building an ashram to art and temple to flowers.

I make work that honors the spiritual and artistic legacy of my people. Using design, art, and production as a vessel of universal love.

B

A globally celebrated artist, designer, and creative director.

Working internationally while based in Portland, Oregon and New York City.

C

“In our view, few studios create design work with as much spirit and creative conviction as House of Gül. Its founder, Ali Van Gödil, is both a creative director and a facilitator of expression, even running a communal gallery space for artists and designers in Portland and New York City”

- It’s Nice That, London, UK.

Art Catalog

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Heaven and Earth
Using Arabic calligraphy as a compositional structure and movement, this piece highlights the process of building heaven on earth and the convergence point between the spiritual world and the world of physical matter. Crystalizing spiritual energy into our reality.
58" x 38”
Acrylic, Color Pencil
PRICE
$4000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Palestine at Night
I wanted to depict the violence and horror of the current genocide in Gaza and contrast it with the stillness of the night sky. The souls departing and finding eternal peace from the river to the sea.
4’3” x 5’
Acrylic, Oil stick, Color Pencil
PRICE
$4000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Bridge of Creation
Highlighting the energy and bridge between the world of formlessness and form. How everything descends from the astral and unseen realm into our physical world. In the name of God adorns the focal point as the source of all matter.
6’ x 6’
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Walking Each Other Home
We are all walking each other home. An homage to walking home from the rose garden with me and my dog Akira. The simple innocence and joy. Such my most fulfilling moments in life in such priceless excursions.
58” x 68”
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Heela Dancing in the Sun
Experiment of the universal divine spirit descending into our world. With an emphasis on a child-like freedom and joy while fully present.
38" x 58"
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Color Pencil
PRICE
$4000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Divine Music
Divine music is all around us. The harmony of silence and joy that radiates in the physical realm can be processed by the heart. The silence that sings so elegantly. This is a testament to that.
59" x 35"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$5000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Bodhi Tree
The spiritual charge from meditating under the bodhi tree. An exploration on nirvana and the kundalini energy flowing through our spine. The release of old stagnant energy the the freedom and stillness once its allowed to move freely. In collaboration with Heela Ananda Godil (b. 2023)
24” x 36”
Acrylic, Oil stick, Color pencil
PRICE
$2500
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Padma & Water Buffalo
The exploration of spiritual bliss and the animal instinct. Will we rise above our lower animalistic desires and reach our highest timeline? A reminder of times in Pakistan where my grandpa and I would drink chai that was made with buffalo milk, making it extra creamy.
5’1”W x 6’8”L
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Soul Blanket
Your love should never be offered to a stranger, only to someone that has valor and courage to cut pieces of their soul and weave them into a blanket to protect you. This is a symbol of that metaphorical soul blanket designed to protect you from the elements and cover you as you sleep.
5’3”W x 7’L
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
To Light We Return
To light we return is an ode to the soul journeying after it passes. We come from light and to light we return. Muhabbat is written in arabic and signifies universal unconditional love as the source return to. The colors and stitching symbolize the colors of the Holy Mosque in Mecca.
3’7”W x 7’L
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil.
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Sat Chit Ananda
An evolution of the human spirit. Sat-Chit-Ananda translates to Truth Consciousness and Bliss as a roadmap for the heart. This piece examines the three stages of the human experience as you navigate the earthly journey.
6’1”W x 5’L
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Descent of Energy
The friction that comes from the unmanifested to the manifested is a beautiful blossoming of energy. This piece explores the dance of creation as it is brought to life in the natural world.
35" x 59"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$3000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Flower of Life
If you could hold the joy of a flower blooming with unfiltered eyes the whole universe will expand within you. Stop and take a moment to smell the roses.
35" x 59"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pen
PRICE
$3000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Tree of Life
Tree of life is a painting that symbolizes the souls gathering at the highest heaven. As they await to take physical form and be wrapped in the clothing of materialism. Resting in eternal peace and the garden beneath which rivers flow.
34" x 59"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$3000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Evolution of Mankind
The cosmic journey from I to Nothing. Stillness is the sacred environment in which spirit is born. This maps the evolution of spirit from Sat Chit Ananda, the three stages of higher realms. Expressing this deep truth with color, symbolism and spiritual hieroglyphics.
51.5" x 67.5"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Strawberry Sunrise
The morning light shining upon the mountains with a tapestry of colors in the sky. A testimony to sacred Mother. A beautiful precious dance of creation as sky illuminates the earth.
57" x 67.5"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Garden in the Sky
The great garden in the sky expands on the quiet moments of reflection in our personal gardens. My favorite mornings are spent watching my dog chase rabbits as I sip on an espresso. The colors, light and clouds all play a role in the cosmic dance of my morning rituals.
35" x 59"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$3000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Souldier
The So(u)ldier is the one that is strong and just while also being a vessel for beauty. This piece examines the doorway of presence where the human being brings in cosmic energy from the unseen realm to the physical world.
57" x 68"
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$7000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Allah
Allah is the lord of the heavens and earth.
7’ x 6’
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
PRICE
$9000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Mountain and Sky
The dance of light between the mountains and sky causes me to lose my mind. A brief moment of rest.
60" x 36"
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Color Pencil
PRICE
$5000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Bengali Workers
Bengali workers at night in the East Village. A moment of pause in the quiet song of labor.
40" x 60"
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Color Pencil
PRICE
$5000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Night of Ascension
Travel the 7 heavens and experience the Prophetic journey.
60" x 72"
Oil Stick, Pastel, Acrylic, Color Pencil.
PRICE
$5000
SOLD
AVAILABLE
Lost in Rishikesh
Lost in the mountains seeking divine joy.
29" x 35"
Oil
PRICE
$2500
SOLD
AVAILABLE

Work Index

Clients
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Instagram

A variety of my favorite social graphics for Instagram content.

A various collection of experimental graphics and visual expressions used for events, organizations, talks, art shows across the globe.

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Ali Van Godil

It’s Nice That

It’s Nice That is an industry leading media company for the international art and design community.

It’s Nice That is an industry leading media company for the international art and design community. They approached me to create a custom love letter artwork to my practice. Launched on Social and Digital for Valentines day article about the love and motivation on why artists create.

ARTIST

Ali Van Godil

Even/Odd

We designed the new brand identity, web design and web development for Even/Odd, a creative studio and production company based in LA and San Francisco.

We designed the new brand identity, web design and web development for Even/Odd, a creative studio and production company based in LA and San Francisco. They wanted a design and experience that felt timeless, unique and clean while still having a bold and powerful message. We wanted to implement a bit of personality to this clean and minimal aesthetic.

The new brand identity was inspired by this concept of "Bold perspectives and the balance of opposites." Utilizing this creative direction throughout all touch points and brand story. We created a modular system based on opposite elements and complementary forces.

Combining serif with san serif, large text with small text, colors on opposite ends of the spectrum, and futuristic hieroglyphic icons that represent going out with art and coming inside with ideas. We amplified this message with a focus on visual treatment. Utilizing a 3D perspective tilt to showcase how inspiring work can actually change your perspectives and help see the world differently.

EVEN/ODD

‍Mohammad Gorjestani

Malcolm Pullinger

Justin Lomax

Genevieve Diaz

Hannah Fariss

Ashley Rodholm

Doug Mahoney

‍DIGITAL

Gabriel Rimmerman

Ada Banaszak

‍CREATIVE DIRECTION

Ali Van Godil

‍DESIGN

Ali Van Godil

Lucas Criado

Alina Derya Yakaboylu

Corinne Ang

‍PRODUCER

Janessa Narciso

‍FONTS

‍Pangram Pangram.

Bliss Magazine

BLISS is an international journal exploring the realms of art, culture, and consciousness.

BLISS is an international journal exploring the realms of art, culture, and consciousness. We present ideas for the creative community to find their own bliss and strive towards inner peace. It is an oasis of artistic liberation from the mental noise of consumer culture. A magazine to share space and cultural creative expression. We designed the whole editorial magazine and created artwork for the different sections, while working with various artists and writers on how they find their bliss.

KMHD Radio

We created a campaign design and series of digital posters for KMHD’s 40th year anniversary.

We created a campaign design and series of digital posters for KMHD’s 40th year anniversary. Launched at PDX airport in 2024, the posters were inspired by the slogan Jazz Without Boundaries, and how jazz transports you to new and exciting realms. The design language was pulled from 70s jazz covers and typography. As well as Mt. Hood which overlooks downtown Portland and the home of the original KMHD station.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | PRINCIPAL DESIGNER 

Ali Van Godil. 

ANIMATOR

C. Sparkman.

Soho House

We worked with Soho House and its team on a custom art installation and design project for an event in Portland.

We worked with Soho House and its team on a custom art installation and design project for an event in Portland. We came up with this idea of Flow State University. Harnessing the idea of the flow state as the central point of all creative, artistic and athletic excellence. If being in flow and being in that special place of freedom was a physical university what would it look and feel like.

So we designed this art piece of a basketball court at Flow State University containing a geometric pattern, flowers, and rainbows and installed it as the main backdrop for the launch event for Sneaker Week 2022 with the Portland creative community.

We printed the artwork and posters on risograph to give it that natural and textured look, and gave it out as posters for the community to take home as gifts. It was an amazing night of celebration, creativity and diversity. The event was sold out and in addition, a lot of the audience got to take photos in the custom photo booth that was created and get beautiful prints of themselves in real time.

SOHO HOUSE

Janessa Narciso

Celeste Conti

Autumn Merritt

Erica J

DeAngelo Raines

‍ARTISTS

Ali Van Godil

Keanu Narciso

‍PRINTS

‍Outlet PDX

‍DESIGN

‍Ali Van Godil

‍SPEAKERS

‍Bimma Williams

Dennis Dixon

Alicia Pinckney

T Spoon

‍LOCATION

Half Court Studio

‍PHOTOGRAPHERS

‍Ashley Walters

Jay Buezo

Die Ziet Magazine

Illustrated an article cover story for Zeit Campus magazine in Germany.

Illustrated an article cover story for Zeit Campus magazine in Germany. The article was about traveling abroad and the different tips for German students who are studying in new countries. I anchored the piece in the typography Fernweh, which is longing for travel in German. And then illustrated with different symbology that reminds me of home and travel, as well as custom lettering to go with the different recommendations.

ARTIST

Ali Van Godil

City of Portland

Logo design and brand identity system for the City of Portland elected City Auditor and the different departments.

Logo design and brand identity system for the City of Portland elected City Auditor and the different departments. We utilized a geometric rose with a bauhaus inspired grid and created different colors to reference the different departments.

DESIGN DIRECTOR | PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

Ali Van Godil

DESIGNER

Hunter Young

Mold Magazine

We were commissioned by MOLD MAGAZINE on a series of key art for their series on health foods.

We were commissioned by MOLD MAGAZINE on a series of key art for their series on health foods. We researched and executed multiple pieces of art based on the idea of spiritual infographics. Utilizing Indian yoga poses, post-modern digital collages, and typographic explorations that are specific to each article's subject. We wanted to convey a youthful and child-like sense of freedom in style but using deep and historical subject matter to convey these truths.

MOLD MAGAZINE

Isabel Ling

Kristi Huynh

ARTIST

‍Ali Van Godil

Facebook

We worked with Even/Odd studio on a project for Facebook and Facebook Groups.

We worked with Even/Odd studio on a project for Facebook and Facebook Groups. With the goal of highlighting and inspiring community leaders from around the globe. The theme for the month was "Into the New." Stepping into this new future in 2022.

We were able to create a fun, bold and experimental design language inspired by hand drawn organic shapes and textures. The concept behind our artwork was the idea of "Digital Convergence", that in this new future the lines between physical reality and digital experience will be blended more and more so what will human life be like after that.

Amplifying the fun, bold and playfully optimistic visual language whether it be emotionally authentic or digitally manufactured.

CREATIVE

‍Santiago Carrasquilla

‍ARTIST

‍Ali Van Godil

‍PRODUCERS

‍Kent King

Rachel Barth

Janessa Narciso

Simran Mahal

FBO

We worked with the Foundations for a Better Oregon, a critical Oregon based non-profit advocating for children's education, on a completely new brand identity design, web design, custom development and brand campaign.

We worked with the Foundations for a Better Oregon, a critical Oregon based non-profit advocating for children's education, on a completely new brand identity design, web design, custom development and brand campaign.  FBO’s brand identity is crafted with strong shapes, natural curves, and organic colors which emanate all that gives us hope: the power of shared vision and collaboration, the energy of Oregon’s communities and ecosystems, and the wonder of every child’s imagination.

We started out with deep listening and research. Meeting with key stakeholders, partners and the core team. The main findings that kept arising were, strength in advocacy, deep empathy for Oregon communities, and building space for children to flourish, all with a sense of optimism and joy. These themes were the bedrock of our creative direction.

We then translated the ideas into a clear and concise visual design language which we applied throughout all phases of the project and on all creative executions. From the design of the brand identity, digital design and development, and finally to key pieces of collateral, merchandise and stationary.

FBO

‍Louis Wheatley

Whitney Grubbs

Janet Soto Rodriguez

‍CREATIVE DIRECTION

‍Ali Van Godil

DESIGN

‍Ali Van Godil

Enric Perez

Shanna Shu

‍DIGITAL

‍Adnan Kussair

Adobe

We were brought on by Laundry Service, a social media agency, to help lead all creative, content and design efforts for Adobe’s new foundation initiative called Project 1324.

We were brought on by Laundry Service, a social media agency, to help lead all creative, content and design efforts for Adobe’s new foundation initiative called Project 1324. The mission of the Adobe Foundation is to support, connect, and amplify marginalized and underrepresented creatives who are using their skills for social change. We collaborated with the client, led internal production with 247LS and various artists and creators to bring content and ideas to life.

The brief was centered around, how do we showcase neglected stories and create narratives that are authentic to the artists and the brand? We came up with the idea of #CreativeImpact which highlighted creatives around the country who are impacting the culture by being their true selves.

This was the main concept across all mediums. We brought this idea to life through graphic design, social media campaigns and photo and video productions around the country. 10K of followers gained on social media in 9+months with an emphasis on premium content and paid media spend.

AGENCY

247LS

CREATIVE

‍Ali Van Godil

‍PHOTOGRAPHY

‍Tom Bender

Everette Bower

Seth McGinnis

PRODUCTION

John Petrina

Nelson Navarrete

Patrick Weishampel