Idris Habib

New York, United States

Idris Habib (AKA Sir Idris) is a self-taught artist whose work culminates an obvious sense of culture, vibrant colors, bold contemporary flair and a majestic texture. His approach is one of genuine expressionism. The work ranges from images depicting his deep relationship and passion for music and its influence, emotion, spirituality and the socio-political aspects of humanism and culture. Provocative and bold, his approach in creating exemplifies an artist who is immersed in the process and truly uses art as a therapy and vehicle to convey his innermost thoughts and beliefs. Born in Accra, Ghana, Idris grew up in the Bronx and did most of his schooling in New York. Traveling often since childhood, he was influenced by African arts, street art, galleries and museums in Europe and the States. Idris has been practicing art professionally for about 12 years. He drew, made sketches, and painted as a child to calm himself down as a kid with high energy — his practice of art is and has always been more of therapy and now a means to show the beauty of his people.

“I am a citizen of the World. My work is a vehicle to convey my innermost thoughts and beliefs — a therapy, a meditation, a celebration of the beauty of my people. I allow the paint to dictate where it would end up and how it would react in combination with the concept, tone and emotional climate of a particular piece. I let the inner-child have its way with the canvas, and through that freedom, true creativity and exploratory forms emerge.”