Describe yourself in 3 words:
free, observant, melancholic
You have a very particular aesthetic. What is it inspired by?
I get inspired by movies especially actors from the golden age.
Photography is also a great inspiration in my work.
I mainly paint portrait so I’m drawn to the essence of people around me.
When did you decide you wanted to become an artist?
I don’t think it’s a choice you make. As kids, we are all artists.
As you grow up you can loose touch with your creativity because of the expectation of society. It’s a daily work to maintain the child inside me. I realized at 22 that art was my only form of expression and had no other choice than to embrace it.
What are your goals as an artist?
To keep taking risks and experimenting in different art forms.
Share and explore myself through my art
The only responsibility an artist has is to be honest and openminded.
How does Diversity play a role in your art?
My fatheris Austrian my mom Egyptian. I grew up in Bali, France and America.
Diversity is just part of who I am. I don’t really think about it,
it just comes in my work naturally.
Name three artists you love right now:
Todd Hido, Antony Micallef, Gill Button
If you could work with any artist (past or present) who would it be?
It would be Basquiat without a doubt. I found his art and persona so fascinating, mysterious and powerful. He was proud and stood for his work. He changed the rules and became a leader. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, and in being authentic he really managed to transform his violent emotions into pieces of art.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be in the moment.
Jodie Foster said « I think an artist’s responsibility is more complex than people realize » what do you think ?
Geoffrey Horne, a great actor and teacher once told me that an artist’s job is to express his true feelings and never judge other’s opinion. The only responsibility an artist has is to be honest and openminded.
