Mohamed Kahouadji is a 33 year old artist born in Algiers (Algeria)
and currently living and working in Saint Nazaire (France) after
studying medecine (maxillo facial surgery). Kahouadji begin
painting from the age of 11, starting with graffitti to what
he now describes as "a kind of pop surrealism with a touch of
post impressionism... Or a kind of under realism...
"
We asked Kahoudji about his art and what he sees
when he looks in the mirror?
I see a man who is eating too much pancakes
Tell us about "Alpha Beta Gaga", with visuals of heart, ice
cream, chimpanzee, gun... what influenced its
creation?
Well lot of things: Pulp fiction, planet of the apes, Andy Warhol
banana for the Velvet Underground, advertising, Manga like City
Hunter and Dragonball.
What five toppings would you have on a
pizza?
I love pizza, my top five is : tomatoes, mozzarella, artichoke,
eggplant, and eggs
You have said that your work oscillates between humor and
irony, do you use animals in your work as a way of discussing the
responsibility, morality and ethical relationship with the natural
world?
Not really , it's a kind of "allegory", like the french poet Jean
De La Fontaine
Is painting a way to escape for you? set free your
thoughts?
Painting is like a paresthesia for me. Something like an
hallucination full of colours.
Your work is very vivid, how important is colour to
you?
Colour is the key for me. It's like salt and pepper when you're
cooking, hard to do without it
Your favourite building?
Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
How has your aesthetic evolved over time?
I try to change and evolve my work constantly. I don't like main
stream, I prefer out of the norm.
What does the future hold for you, what plans in
2012?
Lot of exhibitions and performances in France ...
To see see more of his work, visit:
www.mohamedkahouadji.com
As featured in Unfolded Magazine Issue 08