"Rafiyu" Painting

Bio:
Idris Habib (Sir Idris) is a self-taught Ghanaian-American artist whose work fuses cultural heritage, bold contemporary expression, and experimental mixed media. Born in Accra and raised in the Bronx, he draws inspiration from global travel, music, and the socio-political dimensions of human experience. Known for vivid colors, textured layers, and repurposed materials, Idris creates pieces that challenge ideas, celebrate identity, and inspire dialogue


Artist Statement;
Music is at the core of my artistic practice. Inspired by legends such as Sun Ra, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Nina Simone, I translate rhythm, emotion, and spirit into visual form. Sheet music, instruments, and symbolic motifs often appear in my work, reflecting my belief that creativity feeds on creativity and that art can inspire the same spark it was born from.
My paintings explore what it means to be human beyond labels and divisions. I celebrate Black beauty in all its shades and forms, using bold colors, layered textures, and black paint as a signature element. Color choices carry meaning: white and blue suggest purity and safety, while black reveals hidden truths.
I work with unconventional materials such as fabrics, papers, and found objects and letting each surface influence the outcome. My process is partly controlled and partly surrendered to the painting itself. Art has transformed and grounded me; it is my therapy, my voice, and my way of inspiring others.