eL Seed: Artists exist because there is an audience

30 Apr

Photo from eL Seed

In episode 4 of never before heard conversations from my archive, I’m joined by contemporary artist, eL Seed.

eL Seed’s practice bridges painting and sculpture, developing a unique visual language inspired by the tradition of calligraphy and the energy of urban art. He uses art to explore ideas around identity, cultural heritage, creating connection and inspiring ideas of unity.

We talk about the role of art and who engages with it. About the artist’s ego and their desire for an audience. About how he engages with the communities where his art is placed, whether it be the Coptic community of Zaraeeb in Cairo or a rural community in Nepal. For eL Seed, art is an amplifier, it’s about humanity and that really comes through in our discussion.

We talk about cultural identity, French politics and the role his calligraphy has in speaking to that.

I remember listening to an interview with British sculptor Anthony Gormley, perhaps best known for his life size and life-like cast iron figures of men. He said that art belongs in the world, that ‘art is about life and it needs to be in life.’ That it can change the way we behave, think and feel. That’s exactly how I would describe eL Seed’s work.