In the studio: Zakaria Tahiri

A Moroccan expat based in Dubai for four months, Zakaria Tahiri tells us about his search for inspiration here 1 Comments

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You describe yourself as an impressionistic and futuristic painter, but these images of Moroccan life appear quite traditional. How do you see your art?
Futurism is a literary and artistic movement that rejects the aesthetic tradition and exalts the modern world, in particular urban civilisation, machines and speed. For me, it represents a movement in my inspiration, and I would always like to translate something of futurism into my artworks.

It is true that I paint figurative and traditional subjects, but for me the concept of contemporary art should not only be taken with a chronological direction. I can describe myself as a traditional artist in choice of subject, but contemporary in style.

What would you say are the sources of your inspiration, both here and at home?
I am new here in Dubai, so all of my inspirations are from Morocco, my country of origin, of which I am impressed by the richness of its subjects, the music, dance, lifestyle and the souk. I would like to find more inspiration here in Dubai in the coming weeks.

Have you continued to paint since moving here? How has your style changed since leaving Morocco?
I’ve stopped really producing art at the moment because I cannot find a workshop. I’ve been making some pastels and watercolours while waiting to have a studio but my style of painting changes from one work to another and my technique also for each subject. These days, I’m looking for a new abstract topic that will express my feelings and my hopes, and move towards a new style of abstraction.