Teakster offers a refreshing new take on Islamic art in the 21st century. His style is a fusion of Islamic artistic traditions and modern techniques, inspired by his British upbringing. One of the leading digital Muslim artists, and a brandalism activist, he is shaping our understanding of contemporary Islamic art today.
We talk to Teakster about nurturing creativity, how his faith influences his creative practice, art in public spaces and his journey to becoming a multi-award-winning artist.
You offer a refreshing new take on Islamic art in the 21st century. Your ultimate aim is to connect communities and cultures through the sincere universal language of art. Why is this important to you?
I found, over the years, that art is really an international language, which has this incredible ability to bring people together. I believe as an artist, you have a social responsibility to bring people together. The arts are a powerful communication tool for those who may otherwise struggle to engage. For the increasing number of people who identify as vulnerable or socially excluded, the arts and the venues that host them provide a crucially important gateway for conversation.
People living in disadvantaged areas are less likely to have opportunities to participate in arts-based learning, while also being less likely to visit or take part in activities in arts venues. Art has the power to bring people together, regardless of race, religion, gender, background, or profession. There is no doubt that art can make a far greater and positive contribution to building bridges than any amount of interfaith dialogue. Islamic art has the ability to open their hearts and help them lead back to the divine.
Through art we can learn about different cultures. Understanding and learning about different cultures can be beneficial because there is new knowledge to be gained and used for the progress of all people. Islamic art is just not something pretty to look at. It is not merely a valued sign of man’s creative power. They are expressions of faith, and they stand for man’s struggle to relate himself to his past and to his God.
