The African Bricks 2

Fine Art & CollectiblesMusic & Entertainment

Jan 4

The traditional African matchbox house and the richness of African culture inspire my second series of artworks.

It's been around 15 years now that I have been studying African culture and experimenting with the rich visual language of the continent and its people all around the world. From my first trip to Johannesburg, I fell in love with the African heritage. For me, it's so strong, so original, so powerful. It's a solid ground on which I can build my work.

This is the second collection of my African Bricks series, following the concept of the African matchbox house. I so loved these houses. You see that every brick, as well as every possible material, can find its place on these walls in Soweto or other African townships. It's another series of collages using patterns, textures, fabrics, embroidery, paper, and other materials that reflect the passion and beauty of Africa. 8 beautiful black women and 2 portraits of the Jamaican American reggae artist Keznamdi. I have created these two portraits of him for his Skyline Levels Vol. 1 album.

You can also recognize the amazing Amanda Gorman in one of these pieces. I couldn't help but create a portrait of hers. She's such a lovely and promising poet. The title of this portrait is taken from a poem by Maya Angelou. "And still I rise."

Thank you, Africa. For all the beauty, the joy, and the inspiration!

*Deep inside your borders. Digital mosaic, 135 x 110 cm*

Digital collage portrait of Amanda an African woman mosaic — *And still I rise, Amanda. Digital mosaic, 135 x 110 cm*

Keznamdi mosaic portrait by Charis Tsevis for the reggae artist’s album. The Jamaican American musician’s face mosaic — *Keznamdi, Skyline Levels Vol.1. Red Version. Digital mosaic. 110x157 cm*

I bless the rains, Digital mosaic, 150 x 200 cm

The woman looks directly at the viewer. Digital mosaic Art — *Witness. Looking at you, ready to confess. Digital mosaic, 135 x 110 cm*

Vertical mosaic portrait of an African woman — *See the silence. Digital mosaic, 110 x 147 cm*

Digital collage portrait of an African woman in banana leafs — *Echoes of Heaven. Digital mosaic, 110 x 147 cm*

Close-cropped mosaic of a Black woman’s face — *Uzoza'ngan? (What are you coming for?). Digital mosaic, 135 x 110 cm*

Girl with coffee flower. Digital mosaic portrait — *Girl with coffee flower. Digital mosaic, 255 x 110 cm*

*Keznamdi, Skyline Levels Vol.1. Green Version. Digital mosaic. 110x157 cm*

Digital to Analog

There is an analog version of some of these artworks. My wife, Vira, who loves paper sculpting, and I decided to reconstruct the digital mosaics, assembling them piece by piece in many layers. Countless hours have been invested in cutting, painting, sculpting, varnishing, adding gold or silver plate, and finishing. You can see some photos of the process down here (click for a large version).

More to come soon.