Bad Days Builds Better Days Print

A unique self-taught multi-disciplinary artist whose work culminates an obvious sense of culture, vibrant colors, bold contemporary flair and a majestic texture. His approach is one of genuine expressionism. The work can range from images depicting his deep relationship and passion for music and its influence, emotion, spirituality and the socio-political aspects of humanism and culture. Provocative and bold, his approach in creating exemplifies an artist who is immersed in the process and truly uses art as a therapy and vehicle to convey his innermost thoughts and beliefs. His work is powerful and engaging. Self-taught, the world was indeed a classroom in which Idris drew his inspiration, labeling himself a “citizen of the World”. Traveling often since childhood, especially abroad, he was influenced from street art, to galleries and museums in Africa, Europe, and here in the states. In addition to the artwork, he has always been motivated by a challenge. This is evident in his sense of adventure and experimentation with various mediums and diverse approaches to application, often using his hands and fingers, rather than traditional brush strokes to obtain a desired effect. Therefore, allowing the paint to dictate where it would end up and how it would react in combination with the concept, tone and emotional climate of a particular piece. Playful in nature, in addition to being audacious, he allows a sense of freedom to exist, letting the inner-child have its way with the canvas or whatever he finds useful. By doing this, true creativity and exploratory forms emerge. His dynamic range of work reflects expressionistic and contemporary styles, in addition to creating Pop Art. He is deemed an “experimental artist”, often incorporating mixed-media objects, using discarded elements from New York City streets. He recycles, re-imagines and re- purposes items, giving them new meanings through his creations. This illustrates inspiration and vision can be pulled from anywhere. Objects such as records, gold or silver leafing, in addition to metal or fabric are just some of the selected items used to create cohesive, conceptual work. There is a vivid play on culture and iconic imagery and figures, as seen in his paintings. Concepts such as spirituality and what constitutes belief systems, religion and systematic or orthodox thoughts are other primary ideas illustrated in his work.