Tishk Barzanji creates art unlike anything I have seen before. The Kurdistan born artist is able to meld paradoxical environments and situations within his artworks to take audiences to a place of pure psychedelic bliss, that feels like you are checking into a hotel on Saturn. The concierge is your shadow and the pool is looked after by a memory you once had. It's as though both sides of the coin are represented in the works. Worlds Collide.
How life in London during Autumn going?
Autumn in London can be calm and hectic in many ways. The end of year is approaching, I see a different sense of urgency in the people. It's dark and gloomy, but there's plenty of events to keep you busy.
Your prints are all about contrast. Contrasting colours, surreal against the familiar, the inside world with the outside. Where do you draw this from stylistically?
I started by focusing only on the outside world, but as the work began to become more personal I needed to look at small details behind these walls. The style is inspired by my everyday life, the rich lighting in my bedroom and the way I felt in the shadows for many years.
Do you feel as though you draw from your home of Kurdistan's at all in your art? If so, what areas?
I do in terms of the people and environment. I grew up in a very tight knit community, people helped each other to over come issues. Landscape is also very strong, sometimes almost surreal. I also see it like a Utopia disconnected from the world.
What is your aim with your art?
My aim is to focus on small details in life that we normally don't focus on. And focus on issues that is usually overlooked. I want to build bridges and create discussion.
You win 10k right now. What do you spend it on?
I would get pay for however many homeless people to get somewhere to sleep for the night. (SOLID ANSWER)
