Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahmaan Statik.
Rahmaan, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, surrounded by urban art and public murals, I became inspired to be involved with the subculture of Street Art. A consequent arrest for “vandalism” put me on a mission to legitimize the production of aerosol murals. This became the main focus of my work: public murals that fuse the graffiti aesthetic with a classical training received from the American Academy of Art. As co-founder of R.K Design, a graphic arts and mural collective, I have produced over 400 murals, received mural commissions for corporate clients such as Coca Cola, Toyota, The village of Rosemont, and Red Bull. I have also produced illustrations, brand identity, print projects for Frank 151 magazine, Argus brewery, and the Chicago Jazz Fair. Through the Chicago Public Art Group, as well as After School Matters, since 2004-2017 I have instructed children in mural painting techniques, as well as mentored young artists in their craft. I currently work out of my studio in the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, where in addition to my Mural and teaching career I also create art for gallery exhibitions using oil, acrylic, graphite, pen & ink, pastels, mosaic tile, found objects, spray paint and digital media. I am currently creating street art in cities across the world, creating art works for museum and gallery exhibitions.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
There are level to which I create art . Some art projects for practice or sport. Other art projects are produced for commercial use. The good projects are when a client has an innovative creative idea. This becomes like a collaboration between the artist and the client.
I make / Create a number of types of visual art. The list is in the order of the visual art medium I am most active in. The list is in the order from most to least works. You can also see examples of these works at www.statikone.net.
What people need to know about my work?
My work is a constant evolution in subject, technique, scale and presentation. Rahmaan Statik is in constant competition with Rahmaan Statik.
1.Murals, Large commercial sign art, and Street Art
This includes
– approximately 450 projects completed to date 1996-2018
– This number also factors in Illegal graffiti, Legal graffiti mural projects, Corporate/ commission murals, Student community murals, Temporary festival/graffiti jam murals, Temporary graffiti on communal permission walls.
Motive
There is power in creating large art work
There is legacy in creating community landmarks
There is love in painting a graffiti burner
There is a thriving market for commercial murals
There is innovating in producing street art
2.Studio paintings/ Gallery art works
-approximately 400 projects completed to date 2001-2018
-The studio painting are done for gallery exhibitions and the practice of paint with oil paint and acrylic.
-Studio paintings are also produced as studies for future mural projects
-studio paintings also include private painting commissions
-The Works I produce in the studio can often be my voice to world.
Motive
– Creating works of art in my studio is my personal spiritual sanctuary.
– it is an honor in being a part of the family tree of painting
– my work evolves the more I practice painting
– Creating Artwork is currency
– Creating artwork is life
- Sketchbook Drawing
-approximately 15 books completed to date 1996-2018
– collections of concept drawings, project ideas, and graffiti outlines
– Medium, sharpie, markers, ball point pen, micron pen, airbrush.
-imaginative drawings - Art instruction (private spray paint classes)
– Taught after school painting workshops with CPS students during the dates of 2002-2017
– I currently teach private spray paint classes - Commercial Illustration and Graphic design
– I primarily operate as a commercial illustrator/ graphic designer during the winter and spring months
– When designing my murals and paintings I use adobe Photoshop and illustrator
– I started using the adobe programs in the year 2001 - Photography
-I began studying photography to create my own photo references to make my paintings more authentic and original. - Art administration
-Rahmaan Statik is a 1 man brand
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Conditioning for artist today is evolving with the availability of technology and information. We are living in the era we the artist is more of a creative entrepreneur.
Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years?
It’s even if a person wants to make art they are going to make art. Making it as a commercial artist depends on the market.
What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
More public art commissions to experienced local artist.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Third Fridays at the Bridgeport art center every 3rd friday.
www.statikone.net
– I paint murals nationwide check out my Instagram account @rahmaanstatik
– Petition and raise money for Rahmaan Statik to paint more walls in wicker park, Logan square, and downtown Chicago.
-Request and Raise money for Rahmaan Statik to come paint a mural in your country or city
– Make a donation for the development of the solo gallery exhibition body of work.
– I have a large inventory of artwork, please buy some art work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.statikone.net
- Phone: 7734540233
- Email: statroc@hotmail.com
- Instagram: @rahmaanstatik
- Facebook: @rahmaanstatik
- Twitter: @rahmaanstatik
Image Credit:
Rahmaan Statik mural projects
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
