Portrait Of The Artist: Amer Musa

Why did you become an artist?

As an amateur, I discovered my love for drawing and creating in the most unlikely of circumstances. In 2017, as a homeless immigrant in Paris, I found solace and escape in public libraries where I started sketching and experimenting with colours. Sketching was a means to keep me busy and avoid the toxicity of my condition, soon it became a passion that brought meaning and an aim to my life. However, I don't yet consider myself as a full-fledged artist, I just know that art is the driving force behind my dreams and aspirations. Living in a city where art is ubiquitous, makes me feel lucky. I feel fortunate because I have found a path that has allowed me to tap into my creativity and express myself in ways, I never thought possible.

 Why do you work primarily in your medium?

I work primarily with markers and oil pastels because I enjoy the touch and the unique effects that these materials create in my work. Moreover, these materials allow me to work quickly and spontaneously without waiting for them to dry. I also enjoy creating simple geometric shapes and abstract drawings. Finally, my choice of medium is driven by a combination of personal preferences, technical considerations, and creative goals and all of them contribute to my artistic style and vision.

What do you hope people take away from your art? What are you trying to say?

I hope that people who watch my art take away a personal and emotional connection to the work. I believe that art should evoke a response in the viewer, whether it is a feeling of joy, contemplation, or even discomfort.

In my work, I strive to convey a message or idea that is meaningful and thought-provoking. I hope that people take the time to really engage with my art, to look closely at the details, and to think about the message or story behind any drawing.

Ultimately, I hope that my work inspires people to think more deeply about the world around them, to question their own assumptions, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of life. If even one person feels a sense of connection or inspiration from my work, then I feel that I have succeeded.

How does being an artist affect your outlook on life?

Well, it has a profound effect on my outlook on life. It allows me to view the world around me with a heightened sense of awareness and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life. I am constantly seeking inspiration and finding beauty in unexpected places, whether it is in the patterns of nature, the colours of a city skyline, or the emotions and experiences of people around me.

As an inspired person, I am constantly exploring and experimenting new ideas and techniques. This has taught me to better fit and be opened to change, both in my art and in my life. I have learned to embrace the unknown and to approach challenges with a creative and curious mindset.

What does your typical working day look like?

It’s kind of challenging for me who work in a full-time job to find time to pursue my art. But fortunately, I manage to set aside two hours every evening to draw, even if it means working directly on the paper without sketching first.

Amer Musa’s "A Big Dream" is open now at our Rue de Grenelle and Boulevard Raspail shops in Paris until 6 August 2023.