Zeehan and I met by chance two summers ago. He invited me and a friend into his studio and gallery (@abxy) to see his work. I was blown away. I walked through a small hectic basement studio into a huge gallery with high ceilings displaying his current work at the time. His work was tones of black, browns, golds, and streaks of white. So dynamic, moving, and stunning. He handed me an iPad and told me to hold it up to the painting. At first I was confused but as I centered the iPad silhouettes of dancers appeared on the canvas, interacting with the forms. Zeehan told me that his is also a dancer/b-boy. I was so impressed how he seamlessly integrated his two art forms. I’ve been a big supporter of his work ever since.
We planned to meet while he painted a mural directly adjacent to the gallery. He showed me his current work which integrates his typical abstract work with beautifully painted real forms. All the real forms are based on viral images, disasters, and events that struck Zeehan. He wants to immortalize the viral images that pass and cease to be relevant in moments. As well he showed me a series of four paintings that trigger a short film with augmented reality, first of its kind. He has lots of plans with augmented reality so be on the look out.
We stood on the street together while he painted for hours. We talked about our past selves and what we were like growing up in New York public schools. Zeehan is another native New Yorker so we connected on that a lot. Zeehan works differently from any artist I has photographed. His process is deeply organic with a bit of sporadic energy mixed in. He spoke about having no formal training, having his own formula, and using mediums that other artists may look down upon. Zeehan throws parties/events and dance sessions that are a hit. He spoke very passionately about fostering a community of artists through this and his desire to reignite the dance scene in New York. If anyone can do it, it’s him!
Talking to Zeehan was a breath of fresh air and seamless connection. Very honored to have had the opportunity to watch you paint.