Mohamed Ikram

There are no corrections, no going back for revisions - what comes to mind gets relayed on the paper; a live commentary or a stream of consciousness.

Drawing for me is a manifestation of thoughts and emotions, a transmission of sensory processes to paper. Everyday struggles, the need to connect with oneself as well as with others; a way to confront and understand. My preferred tools are charcoal, pencil and ink on paper. I like the simplicity and wouldn't want a medium or a tool to be a distraction during the process. There are no corrections, no going back for revisions - what comes to mind gets relayed on the paper; a live commentary or a stream of consciousness. 

 

Before and during the drawings I work on anatomy studies. It's almost automatic where I feel the muscle memory rather than a deliberate conscious act is leading the charge. When I start on the drawings I trust myself to lay it all out on paper. The drawings are done quickly. The narrative is in the strokes. I draw repetitively creating a sequence of images. Like a movie clip. From that I select a few stills.

 

All art is inspired by something or someone. I have a bunch of artists who have greatly inspired my work including Ralph Steadman, George Condo, Francis Bacon, Kandinsky, Saul Bass, David Carson, Stanlet Donwood, Shepherd Fairey, Blak Le Rat, Banksy, and even Polish poster. They are fresh, exciting and inspired me to create. My art is a combination of the collective lessons and inspiration I draw from these artists and more.