My works focus on phenomenon of possibilities and improvisation allowing me to experiment with diverse medium and style that best suit each subject and objectives; I am motivated by the unknown results that may be generated through constant experimenting. Furthermore, my works explore issue of identity crisis, result of colonial rule and religions on economic development and culture of Africa. My method of dealing with each subject can at times be subtle and other time very crystallized and direct.

-Chazht

Chris-Alade Zeaqraht expresses his personal, socio-economic and political commentary in various forms of expressionism. Born in Nigeria in 1969, AZ has developed his style through an independent study of expression, inspired by his personal experiences living as an expat in the Netherlands, the United States and Canada. Art is AZ’s poetry. It is free and at times expresses a primitive and almost child-like innocence. His palette is bold and powerful, yet maintains a playful nature.
AZ explores the socio-economic and political issues in Africa, as well as the struggle surrounding his own cultural identity. Through the creation of dialogue, AZ investigates the influence of religion, slavery and colonial rule in Africa. His creative practice is the manifestation of Western Africa and Western influence, yet it remains a part.
Although AZ’s first artistic vocabulary is painting, he is driven by the desire to experiment - to capture his vision completely- thus, he is never limited to a particular medium. His abstract expressionistic style challenges the viewer, inspiring critical reflection in a search for the underlying statement. AZ’s first foray into sculpture exhibits a maturity that is unseen is his painting. The materials are unique and natural, yet it remains complex. Through sculpture, AZ is able to bring ethereality to structural substance exposed to human senses of perception. AZ has also created pieces in video, sound and photography, particularly if the projects relate to stories that are time-confined, permanent and necessitate unequivocal sequence of events.

j.ferrari 09/07