Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m from Stockholm, Sweden. My parents originated from Morocco. I’m a self taught artist; I’ve never been a believer in the form of art schools, even though a space were you can expand and find yourself may be good for the most part. I must point out that my approach and attitude towards learning have always stemmed from the unknowing, in which, maybe, if you’re lucky, something pure and honest may grow out and bloom in its unique shape or form.
When did you first discover art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
When I was about 3 years old.
What do you like most about working where you do?
I’m literally in a safety room, or what you may call a bunker. I like the isolation where no light and other information could come near. It may sound weird, but I like to work in a dark setting, with few soft and warm light sources around me.
What ideas are you exploring in your practice?
Conflict, transformation and happiness (pre-expected).
What is your process like?
I paint first and think after. The theme is always and mostly based on my mental condition at the time.
Is there any subject or theme you’ve been particularly interested in lately?
Happiness. The historical idea of it and the contemporary concept of what it may be. Example – Happiness for my mom was more related to survival: seeing her kids get a meal and fair chance in life, vs. today, where happiness could just be the mere image posted and perceived by your fellow followers on social media.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever had to do for art?
All things I do that may seem strange to others is perfectly normal for me.
Do you have a day job or other work that you split your time between?
I sometimes work with ex-convicts, where I try to guide/support them in a better direction. I find it balancing and harmonious to give something outside of myself, in contrast to when I work on my own thing, where all is almost completely self-centered by default.
Do you have a mentor, or a piece of advice (or both), which has influenced your practice?
There are no rules, so don’t follow anything other than what your mind tries to set up for you.
Is there any piece of advice you would offer to others?
Surrender.
What does it mean to you to have a “community?”
You either need it so you can free yourself from it, in order to expand it, or to shed light and represent it in some way. I’m a collection of ideas and world views that begins from one place. If too attached, one could get lost in its own conditions and never manage to see the world from a different angle. But with an open mind, the rights and errors that one brings from its community becomes the compass in life’s maze of experiences and knowledge.
How would you define “success” in art?
My mind and physical expression’s continuity and expansion.
What are you working on right now?
Happiness 🙂
Find more at moleytalhaoui.com and on Instagram @moley.talhaoui!
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