Words: Tiranya Yalindee Ranasinghe
‘Skin and Graphite’ has finally become a long-awaited dream come true for Naeem, the skilled illustrator. You may already be familiar with some of his work from our previous issues, such as his exquisite illustrations of actress Merle Oberon and Nina Dyer. Naeem’s journey as an artist began at the tender age of 7, where he would lose himself in hours of sketching. His mother, a painter, played a pivotal role as his first inspiration, igniting his love for art. As he grew older, Naeem sought to combine his artistic talents with a stable profession, leading him to pursue Graphic Design.
At 19, fate introduced him to Andre Estefan, who not only became his mentor but also a father figure. This moment marked a significant turning point in his life. Subsequently, Naeem joined Meshminds in Singapore as a Creative Technologist, working on noteworthy projects for major organizations like Meta, Apple, and UNEP.
As COVID-19 gradually receded, Naeem made the bold decision to transform his dream of holding an exhibition into a tangible reality. This exhibition, for him, is a reflection of the unwavering support from his parents, the continuous guidance from his mentor, and the profound self-discovery he has experienced throughout his artistic journey.
What inspired ‘Skin and Graphite’?
As an artist, I am deeply passionate about my craft, and my inspiration comes from my personal interests and experiences. The concept of “Skin & Graphite” excited me immensely. It brings together two significant aspects of my artistic journey, my love for the traditional black and white graphite pencil work that I started with as a young artist, and the exploration of my own sexual interests. This exhibition was a celebration of my roots, where I began my artistic exploration with pencil in hand, and how that journey has intertwined with the exploration of my own sexuality, shaping my unique creative voice.
Give us a bit of insight into the process of working on this project?
The genesis of this project dates back three years ago when the idea first took root. However, the initial concept for the exhibition was quite different from what it has become today. The process of bringing it to life has been a long and transformative journey.
The project’s evolution was significantly influenced by the circumstances of the Covid pandemic and my time spent living between Bali and Singapore for several months. These experiences provided me with a new perspective, prompting me to re-evaluate my artistic direction and what I truly wanted to convey through this exhibition.
During this period of reflection,
I discovered my niche, a focus that deeply resonated with me. Excited about the new direction, I shared my thoughts and ideas with Stefan, who has been a long - time collaborator. Stefan’s expertise in the creative business played a vital role in shaping the vision for the exhibition. His input and distinct approach helped refine the concept and bring it into clearer focus.
