Mukah Ispahani West Midlands, United Kingdom
Cameroonian-born visual artist based in the UK, working primarily in biro to create intricate figurative-centered drawings. My work explores identity, memory, and cultural spontaneity. Through exhibitions and community projects, I aim to connect personal narratives with broader social and diasporic themes.
My practice explores themes of social identity, culture, and divine connection. My work delves into the complexities of human identity, spiritual experience, and cultural narratives, with storytelling at the heart of my artistic expression. I strive to bring to life inspiring yet often overlooked stories, fostering dialogue and emotional engagement.
My creative process is a blend of spontaneity and structure. Each piece begins with a concept or message, often sparked by research, personal reflection, or a social theme I wish to explore. I allow ideas to develop organically before refining them through sketches and visual experimentation.
I primarily work with ballpoint pen for drawings and oil paint and acrylics for paintings. My attachment to ballpoint pens stems from my early years when they were an easily accessible yet often overlooked tool. Over time, I developed a highly intricate cross-hatching and shading technique, creating detailed, lifelike imagery with hypnotic, intertwining lines. These works invite viewers to engage closely, appreciating both the craftsmanship and the deeper narrative within.
Through my art, I aim to evoke an intellectual and emotional connection, encouraging admiration for the beauty, spontaneity, and movement in my work while leaving space for personal interpretation.
