25 August 2008 (US)
So I don't know whats worse. Stalking a critically acclaimed artist for months or getting that coveted time to ask the questions that will finally lay to rest all the misconceptions and hearsay of a man that's shaking up the art world one canvas at a time. But let's recap. Rah Crawford has been creating the socially awakening art movement dubbed IMPIC and even though Rah Crawford has already been critically acclaimed in the art world, it's his ability to reach the masses with his thought provoking pieces.
Petite Anglaise: To help our readers better grasp your artistic concept, how would you describe your work?
Rah Crawford: I would describe it as ever evolving, ever changing. A new approach to art because, typically when you look at a painting or artwork you associate it with what ever experience you have with it. For example when one looks at a painting depicting water the viewer instantly thinks of the ocean, and that's how people generally compute images, but with my NPIC-ART style it adds another dimension to art and it's in the art work itself. There are clue text[s] included in the subject so in most cases their's a word you have to look up and find the definition to, and once you have that definition of that word it changes [ones] perception of the image.
Petite Anglaise: NPIC-ART, is that your own specific style of art or are their other artist creating this type of work?
Rah Crawford: It's [just] me, for now. Eventually I will expand to a group of artist but it's something I've been working on within a 10 year time span. You don't have to be an art critic, but one can clearly see disciplined graphic edges, brush control, and contemporary concepts. The whole concept and purpose of NPIC-ART is to engage the viewer in a whole different level that I felt hasn't been done in art's history.
Petite Anglaise: I've seen that your entering the fashion aspect of the art world. What brought about this expansion?
Rah Crawford: Well I was approached to do an exhibition in New York [which at the time was my first New York show] and so I met with the gallery owner and we were planning everything out for the opening, but then she mentioned Fashion Week to me and asked if I wanted to create anything for that upcoming event. She also mentioned Bela Shehu [ Fashion and Jewelry Designer] and asked if I knew of her, since I hadn't at the time I started to seek her out and when [Bela] and I meet we collaborated together on her line for Fashion Week. My artwork was primarily featured on her designs which I've included on my own [wardrobe] collection.
Petite Anglaise: You have an exhibition coming up, can you give some insight as to what the masses should expect?
Rah Crawford: Well the exhibition will be in Brooklyn, it's called I AM A MAN, and it deals with the 1968 union workers strike featuring predominantly African-American males and the rise of Martin Luther King [and the role he played in that event]. I did a trip tic series for that specifically and that will be coming out as well.
Petite Anglaise: As for your book WELCOME TO EARTH, what will that encompass?
Rah Crawford: It will cover the 4 years [I spent] pushing and promoting my art, adventures, stories, published articles. It'll cover everything from licensing deals, my travels and my [art] exhibitions. So I'm creating this book to wrap up that first segment.
Rah Crawford is gearing up for his exhibition which will be held in Brooklyn Sept 25th, I'll be there, but the question is will you?