Emerging artist
m a l i k s a a k a
creates
works inviting us
to lose ourselves in lovely.
and how cool is his name?
My connection with Malik
happened the instant someone who
knows me well emailed a photo
of one of his paintings.
This led to:
a knock on his door,
a warm embrace,
laughter,
the chance to view his incredible portfolio in person,
and the beginning of a friendship.
Oh and my art collection of this rising star.
Malik's work is full of intrigue and TINY FEET!
Care to eavesdrop on my chat with Mr. Saaka?
me:
WHY HONOR CREATIVITY?
malik:
"It's just as valuable as a natural resource
and just as hard to find an alternative for.
True innovation is priceless and should be
treated as such so that we as a society
can inspire the next generation,
and so on and so forth."
Did I mention he is still in college?
Uh-huh.
me:
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN
YOU HEAR 'BEAUTY IN IMPERFECTION?'
malik:
"Dirty rainwater, transgendered super models, and my artwork."
omg i'm still crazy bout this piece.
me:
TELL ME ABOUT HUMOR IN YOUR LIFE AND WORK.
malik:
"It's totally irrelevant to my work
(where I focus more on the macabre);
however, it permeates every other aspect of my life."
I can attest, folks. He's hilarious.
mixed media piece in my collection
me:
WHAT THINGS ARE INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW?
malik:
"Riccardo Tisci's work at Givenchy,
70's Japanese exploitation films,
and my little sister Zahra."
See...just another reason I respect the artist.
I have zero frame of reference for any of
his inspirations...leaving even more to discover
in his work and the workings of his mind.
no tiny feet yet lovely
me:
SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING LOVELY
AND SACREDNESS IN THE "EVERYDAY?"
malik:
"Take time to live in the moment.
Learn what you as an individual value.
Try to incorporate that in everyday activities."
mine
So many fashionable details springing
from the depths of his imagination.
Malik's blog is a place of edgy experimentation.
Translation:
Do not pop an Ambien and then hop over to his
tumblr thinking tiny dancers...trust me on this.
It's full of macabre magic,
work samples, and his contact info.
Email him to ask about originals for sale
(range is $35-200) or email me,
and I'll gladly help.
(The young artist is open to strange custom requests
even from neurotically charming suburban moms...
mine was something like:
"Currently obsessed with Joan of Arc,
think the color pink should be incorporated,
and wish something better could be done with her hair.")
I know. I know. Poor guy.
Thank you for your inspiration, Malik.
So blessed to know you and follow your artful journey.
