“ With Portraits, it's the same as mathematics. But with Abstract stuff, there are no Instructions . . in a way it's much harder ”
- Khari Worrell
Wednesday, May 11th 2022. 9:00am. I began pedalling against rain and traffic to interview Northampton's own Khari Worrell. On arrival, he led me down the steepest stairs into his art studio. Situated in his basement, underneath his nuclear family. That morning I left Khari's studio with a new set of eyes.
To the reader, what’s your take on Abstract Art?. Attitudes may range from complete and utter indifference, to dilated pupils and artsy-fartsy remarks. I should begin by saying, these works of art can manage without my co-sign.
The artists from the school of abstraction are already canonized in literature, and doubly revered with the thud! of the auctioneer's gavel sending art investors into a sheepish frenzy.
What's your take on Abstract Art? . . is a question of personal preference, whether or not you appreciate the genre depends on whether or not you see the artist's time, effort, and skill played back to you in real time. For a visual style that celebrates the artists fast pace instincts above all else, it's very easy to miss it, to get lost in the detail, or better still run out of patience and ignore entirely.
Khari calls it “playing with fire”. I asked him why the metaphor. He explained, the task of each abstract work is to impact audiences, yet, he approaches each brushstroke without overthinking, such is the flow of his abstract expression. The result is a tightrope act, that sees him balance the pressures of time, cost, and his artistic-reputation, against a deep urge to purge excess of emotion on the Canvas. He would often take breaks in between. Revisiting days later to redefine layer by layer strokes of paint, one time cutting holes into his canvas till his palms bruised red. What's your take on Abstract art? . . something sporadic, resembling play. However, coexisting alongside is patience, ambition, time, and vulnerability being displayed.
So as not to catch ourselves in the diceyness of the whole thing, I asked Khari to pick a collection of Items from his studio space, items he believes are vital to the process and construction of his work and abstract painting. Tools of the trade to help us ground this artsy-fartsy remark, in one occupational reality.
Instagram: @khariworrell
Support and Check out Khari's latest Works here ~ Link Tree
Published: 23/05/2022
Written by Dan O. Eboka
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