We are pleased to share a new project we have been collaborating with London based artist Hisham Echafaki in Saint-Aubin Chateau-Neuf in Val d’Ocre, France.
Initially known for his intricate surrealist compositions and three dimensional paintings (covered here), the contemporary artist braved the intense heatwave to paint this hyperrealistic monumental turtle.
Strong advocate and protector of the fauna and flora, Hisham Echafaki wanted to pay tribute to one of the endangered species as well as a nod to a Hermann turtle, member of the village since the past 45 years.
London based multidisciplinary artist Hisham Echafaki is presenting his new solo exhibition at the Saatchi TOAF (The Other Art Fair) in Bristol. His body of works focuses on the complex and ever changing relationship between humans and the animal world, exploring themes of anthropomorphism, endangered species and the delicate balance between mankind and nature.
His source of inspiration includes vintage scientific illustrations, taxidermy, cabinet of curiosities, patterns in art as well as animal fables. One of the paintings is directly inspired by The Dove and the Crow Fable by Greek author Aesop ‘To enjoy our blessings we must have freedom’.
‘Family portrait’ depicts a moving scene in an abandoned house where nature takes back its course and a doe and her baby pay tribute to a deer trophy head.
His three dimensional paintings are intriguing and fascinating, and visitors are often wondering how these fauna and flora have been created. The 3D and trompe l’oeil effect is achieved by meticulously painting on multiple layers of resin.
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Hisham Echafaki The Other Art Fair Bristol 1-3 September 2017 Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay , Bristol
We stopped by the London studio of contemporary artist Hisham Echafaki as he prepares a new body of work with drawings, surrealist paintings,3D paintings and prints to be showcased at the Talented Art Fair opening this Friday.
His surrealist compositions show a real fascination for nature and the animal world through intricate symmetry and patterns with a trompe l’oeil effect.
Most intriguing are the 3D paintings. Using several layers of resin, Hisham Echafaki paints three-dimensional insects, that give the optical illusion they are taxidermy specimen embedded in resin. Each piece is a tribute to the beautiful intricacy and complexity of the insect world but also a critique of how humans are affecting and shaping evolutionary changes in animal species.
In parallel a series of prints from his famous Ballets will be released at the Fair and online here
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Hisham Echafaki
Talented Art Fair
17-19 March 2017
Truman Brewery
London E1 6QR
Differents artists will create a visual interpretation of the current show played at the theatre. Their artwork will be on view for the duration of the show at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre, 41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LX.
By Nick Payne, directed by Josie Rourke, with set design by Tom Scutt, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.
“What if every neuron in the human brain could be mapped and decoded? Every act of human behaviour catalogued and wholly understood? Elegy imagines a very-near future in which radical and unprecedented advances in medical science mean that it’s now possible to augment and extend life. Elegy explores a world in which the brain is no longer a mystery to us. But at what cost?”
Featured Artist: Hisham Echafaki
Hisham Echafaki is a London based artist with a fascination for the animal world.
His work focuses on surrealist compositions and often examines the impact of humankind on nature and issues of conservation.
Sea Ballet – Acrylic on Canvas, 100 x 100 cmElegy Cast: Barbara Flynn, Zoe Wanamaker and Nina Sosanya
Here is a photo recap of ‘Lusus Naturae’ we have been pleased to curate with French artists 100Taur and Hisham Echafaki.
Viewers were introduced to the dark enchanted world of 100Taur with his hypnotic hybrid creatures from a weird Buffalo, a meditating and multitasking Holy Slug to some cheeky ‘Blood Brothers’ and a flying Mandrill.
Trompe l’oeil paintings by Hisham Echafaki captivated the audience, while they were intrigued by his oniric butterflies in three dimensions.
Congratulations to the talented artists 100Taur and Hisham Echafaki on this fantastic body of work. We would like to extend massive thanks to Dave Skelly, Bassim and Tunde for their precious help and all the people who have been supporting this event.
View the full set of pics here Lusus Naturae 100Taur & Hisham Echafaki 94 Leonard Street EC2A 4RH
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