Skip to main content

Bryan Mulvihill Art

Canadian, b. 1950
Bryan Mulvihill, known as "Trolley Bus," is a respected Vancouver artist and scholar renowned for his innovative work in Asian calligraphy, particularly through tea ceremonies and his unique style, "Calligraffiti." His journey into Chinese ink brush painting began in 1959 under Master Lloyd Yee in Vancouver's Chinatown, where he learned fundamental techniques based on the 'Mustard Seed Garden Manual.' These early lessons set the stage for his extensive education in Fine Arts and Asian Art History. Mulvihill holds a BFA from the University of British Columbia, where he focused on Asian and Modern Art History and Buddhist Studies. His scholarly work extended internationally, including research at the British Museum in Tibetan and Trans-Himalayan studies, and at the Library and Archives of the Dalai Lama in India, deepening his understanding of Tibetan cultural practices. His studies continued back at UBC and Simon Fraser University, where he explored Buddhist iconography and sound. Central to Mulvihill's work is his integration of traditional Chinese ink painting with Asian tea traditions and Buddhist and Taoist contemplative practices, emphasizing the role of mindset in calligraphy. His travels in Asia enriched his understanding of these traditions, which he views as pathways to human consciousness and our relationship with nature. A major component of his work, particularly showcased at ADDITION, is characterized by Chinese characters arranged in a mandala style allowing for dynamic engagement. His Calligraffiti blends 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' techniques, resulting in works that, while seemingly abstract, are rich in meaning. Influenced by Brion Gysin, Mulvihill explores permutation methods using Chan/Zen texts to create grid patterns that invite a meditative awareness in the viewer. An integral concept in Mulvihill's art is the idea of 'Chung,' meaning 'right way' or path, from Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, emphasized in the I-Ching. This concept underpins his exploration of life's complexities through his art, striving for an open state of awareness akin to meditative practice. His Calligraffiti echoes traditional tea art forms, aiming to cultivate tranquillity and respect for artistic traditions. The pieces featured at ADDITION, created in his New Delhi studio in 2023, use handmade cotton paper and pigments from Delhi, which play with light to provoke deeper contemplation. Beyond his studio work, Mulvihill is recognized for his role in the World Tea Party, a pan-cultural installation staged globally, using tea rituals as metaphors for dialogue and cultural exchange. This project has been presented at notable venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, National Gallery of Canada, and the Venice Biennale. His art has been showcased at significant venues, including the Mary Frazee Gallery in Vancouver, the Lalit Kala Academie in New Delhi, and major events like the Liverpool Biennale and Vancouver Winter Olympics. Currently, Mulvihill is collaborating with MOCA London on "The Word is Art," with exhibitions planned for Shanghai in 2026, highlighting his ongoing commitment to expanding the boundaries of calligraphy and promoting cross-cultural dialogue through art.
to
20
16
5
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
21
16
3
21
21
20
16
16
5
21
10,848
2,842
2,494
1,423
Artist: Bryan Mulvihill
Chung Middle Way, Homage to Shinzan Mayame Roshi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Chung Middle Way, Homage to Shinzan Mayame Roshi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Chung Middle Way, Homage to Shinzan Mayame Roshi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Bone Stroke Permutations Watercolor on Handmade Paper, Abstract, 2010+
Bone Stroke Permutations Watercolor on Handmade Paper, Abstract, 2010+

Bone Stroke Permutations Watercolor on Handmade Paper, Abstract, 2010+

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX
Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mulvihill creates mesmerizing mandalas using Chinese characters written in all directions. His unique "Calligraffiti" technique, a blend of ancient script and Brion Gysin-inspired cu...

Category

2010s Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Pigment

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX
Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mulvihill creates mesmerizing mandalas using Chinese characters written in all directions. His unique "Calligraffiti" technique, a blend of ancient script and Brion Gysin-inspired cu...

Category

2010s Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Pigment

Chung Center Middle Center, Homage to Haikuin, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Chung Center Middle Center, Homage to Haikuin, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Chung Center Middle Center, Homage to Haikuin, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Shin Heart Mind, Homage to Wang Wi Zhi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Shin Heart Mind, Homage to Wang Wi Zhi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Shin Heart Mind, Homage to Wang Wi Zhi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Shin Heart Mind, Homage to Wang Xi Zhin, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Shin Heart Mind, Homage to Wang Xi Zhin, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Shin Heart Mind, Homage to Wang Xi Zhin, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Chung Center Middle Way, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Chung Center Middle Way, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Chung Center Middle Way, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Ovio permutations, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX, Dharma Art Seminar
Ovio permutations, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX, Dharma Art Seminar

Ovio permutations, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX, Dharma Art Seminar

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX
Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mulvihill creates mesmerizing mandalas using Chinese characters written in all directions. His unique "Calligraffiti" technique, a blend of ancient script and Brion Gysin-inspired cu...

Category

2010s Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Pigment

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX
Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

Magnetizing Seduction, Homage to Chogyam Trungpa Tulku IX

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mulvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results ...

Category

2010s Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Pigment

I-Shi, Stone, primordial particle a mouth under a cliff
I-Shi, Stone, primordial particle a mouth under a cliff

I-Shi, Stone, primordial particle a mouth under a cliff

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mulvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results ...

Category

2010s Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Pigment

Shan Yama Mountain Permutations, Homage to Han Shan Cold Mountain
Shan Yama Mountain Permutations, Homage to Han Shan Cold Mountain

Shan Yama Mountain Permutations, Homage to Han Shan Cold Mountain

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Chung Center Middle Way, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Chung Center Middle Way, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Chung Center Middle Way, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

I’Shi Stone, A mouth under a cliff fundamental particle, Homage to Xi Shi
I’Shi Stone, A mouth under a cliff fundamental particle, Homage to Xi Shi

I’Shi Stone, A mouth under a cliff fundamental particle, Homage to Xi Shi

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Shan Mountain, Homage to Tanchu Terayama, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Shan Mountain, Homage to Tanchu Terayama, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Shan Mountain, Homage to Tanchu Terayama, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Shan Mountain, Homage to Han Shan Cold Mountain, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Shan Mountain, Homage to Han Shan Cold Mountain, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Shan Mountain, Homage to Han Shan Cold Mountain, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Dragon, Homage to Shiko Kataoka Sensi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Dragon, Homage to Shiko Kataoka Sensi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Dragon, Homage to Shiko Kataoka Sensi, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Sprouts with Snake bite, I-Ching Hexigram, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Sprouts with Snake bite, I-Ching Hexigram, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Sprouts with Snake bite, I-Ching Hexigram, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Sprouts with Snake bite, I-Ching Hexigram, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli
Sprouts with Snake bite, I-Ching Hexigram, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

Sprouts with Snake bite, I-Ching Hexigram, Aruna Ghar Studio, New Dehli

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Shin Heart Mind, Aruna Ghar, New Dehli Studio, 2024
Shin Heart Mind, Aruna Ghar, New Dehli Studio, 2024

Shin Heart Mind, Aruna Ghar, New Dehli Studio, 2024

By Bryan Mulvihill

Located in Vancouver, CA

Mullvihill's work is comprised of Chinese characters written in four directions, creating a mandala effect. His Calligraffiti, employing 'Cut-Up' and 'Permutation' processes, results...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Related Items
Untitled

Jun KanekoUntitled, 2002

$19,000

H 66 in W 55.5 in

Untitled

By Jun Kaneko

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Best known for his large-scale, monumental dango (Japanese for “rounded form”) sculptures, Jun Kaneko makes glazed ceramicsm that resemble inflated, three-dimensional canvases. Often...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Handmade Paper

David Ambrose, Brazilian Irrigation, 2017, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper

David Ambrose, Brazilian Irrigation, 2017, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper

By David Ambrose

Located in Darien, CT

David Ambrose’s fascination with paper began as a child as when convalescing from major surgery on his right leg at the age of seven. Paper became the playground for his imagination ...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper

Jack Youngerman - Spectrum 356, unique signed watercolor handmade paper, framed
Jack Youngerman - Spectrum 356, unique signed watercolor handmade paper, framed

Jack Youngerman - Spectrum 356, unique signed watercolor handmade paper, framed

By Jack Youngerman

Located in New York, NY

Jack Youngerman Untitled, Spectrum 356 Dazzling unique watercolor painting on Dieu Donne handmade paper with one deckled edge Pencil signed and dated on the front Provenance: The ar...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

David Ambrose, Modular Stipple, 2017, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper

David Ambrose, Modular Stipple, 2017, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper

By David Ambrose

Located in Darien, CT

David Ambrose’s fascination with paper began as a child as when convalescing from major surgery on his right leg at the age of seven. Paper became the playground for his imagination ...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper

Bonitas Canciones 8616

Bonitas Canciones 8616

By Nancy Charak

Located in Kansas City, MO

Nancy Charak Title: Bonitas Canciones 8616 Materials: Drawing on 90# Stonehenge Date: 2017 Dimensions: 11"x30" Nancy Charak makes paintings and drawings in her studio in Tucson, whe...

Category

2010s Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Color Pencil

Covers 13 Green (Abstract Painting)
Covers 13 Green (Abstract Painting)

Covers 13 Green (Abstract Painting)

By Joanne Freeman

Located in London, GB

Covers 13 Green (Abstract Painting) Gouache on handmade Khadi paper. Unframed. Joanne Freeman's works on paper are made with gouache on handmade Indian Khadi paper. She uses tape ...

Category

2010s Hard-Edge Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Gouache, Handmade Paper

French Contemporary Art by Sandra Detourbet - Le Célestine
French Contemporary Art by Sandra Detourbet - Le Célestine

French Contemporary Art by Sandra Detourbet - Le Célestine

By Sandra Detourbet

Located in Paris, IDF

Ink, gouache on canvas & handmade paper Sandra Detourbet is a French artist born in 1967 who works & lives in Ivry-sur-Seine, near Paris. She is graduated in 1997 from ENSAD in Pari...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Canvas, Gouache, Handmade Paper, Ink

Quarantine Drawing 1

Quarantine Drawing 1

By Anastasia Pelias

Located in New Orleans, LA

medium: Chinese ink, ink stick, and charcoal on handmade paper ANASTASIA PELIAS was born in New Orleans, LA to Greek parents. Her artistic practice is roote...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Charcoal, Ink, Handmade Paper

Quarantine Drawing 8

Quarantine Drawing 8

By Anastasia Pelias

Located in New Orleans, LA

medium: Chinese ink, ink stick, and charcoal on handmade paper ANASTASIA PELIAS was born in New Orleans, LA to Greek parents. Her artistic practice is rooted in the dual cultural id...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Charcoal, Ink, Handmade Paper

Covers 24-Green A (Abstract Painting)
Covers 24-Green A (Abstract Painting)

Covers 24-Green A (Abstract Painting)

By Joanne Freeman

Located in London, GB

Covers 24-Green A (Abstract Painting) Gouache on handmade Khadi paper. Unframed. Joanne Freeman's works on paper are made with gouache on handmade Indian Khadi paper. She uses tap...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Gouache, Handmade Paper

Joanne Freeman "Squares and Strokes_8" Gouache on Handmade Paper

Joanne Freeman "Squares and Strokes_8" Gouache on Handmade Paper

By Joanne Freeman

Located in New York, NY

My paintings and drawings incorporate elements found in architecture, design, popular culture and art history. My reductive compositions and pure color mimic the low-tech graphics ut...

Category

2010s Abstract Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Gouache, Handmade Paper

Covers 13 Red Orange (Abstract painting)
Covers 13 Red Orange (Abstract painting)

Covers 13 Red Orange (Abstract painting)

By Joanne Freeman

Located in London, GB

Covers 13 Red Orange (Abstract painting) Gouache on handmade paper. Unframed. Joanne Freeman's works on paper are made with gouache on handmade Indian Khadi paper. She uses tape t...

Category

2010s Hard-Edge Bryan Mulvihill Art

Materials

Gouache, Handmade Paper

Bryan Mulvihill art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Bryan Mulvihill art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of red and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Bryan Mulvihill in paper, handmade paper, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Bryan Mulvihill art, so small editions measuring 22 inches across are available. Bryan Mulvihill art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,425 and tops out at $1,960, while the average work can sell for $1,520.