FOR THE LOVE OF IT (VOL.19)
For the Love of It” is a series that explores Tarik’s deep passion for creation and self-expression through painting. He seeks out unusual, unpopulated locations to refine his skills and find solace from the stresses of life and the weight of past experiences. This process not only serves as a therapeutic escape but also rekindles his connection to the stories he aims to tell through his art. When his creative space feels overwhelming, these quiet spots become his sanctuary, allowing him to rediscover the joy of painting and the narratives woven into each piece.
Title: “Living In An Upside Down World”
Dimensions: 800cm x 650cm
Medium: Exterior paint and enamel paint on concrete
Description: This painting is a raw, unfiltered extension of my soul, born from a need to break free from the fear of embracing my true self. Art is my liberation, a sacred space where I can express without restraint, channeling emotions and thoughts that demand release. The act of creation is intoxicating—an exhilarating rush that intensifies with the scale and authenticity of the work. The more I pour into a piece, the more it aligns with the energy flowing through me, amplifying the euphoric high.
For this piece, I used a large brush to splatter bold black figures across a meticulously layered background. Holding the can of black paint in my left hand, I dipped the brush with my right, reveling in the abundance of pigment. Each bristle separated as it grazed the textured concrete surface, creating a visceral connection that thrilled my senses. The interplay of paint, brush, and concrete was a symphony of pleasure, each stroke a deliberate act of defiance and freedom. I painted the figures upside down—because convention be damned.
The background was a labor of patience, built layer by layer with deliberate care. Each stroke of paint spreading across the wall felt like a slow, teasing dance, a meditation on control amidst chaos. My life has been unstable, fragmented, and raw, and this painting mirrors that truth. It reflects the brokenness and authenticity of the world as I see it—a window into the sensitive soul of a boy who finds this world too harsh to bear. Yet, through this art, I ground myself and invite you to witness the unapologetic realness of my existence.
