africanah.org

Arena for Contemporary African, African-American and Caribbean Art

Tahir Carl Karmali

Tahir_Rwenzoris_2018_Raffia, Cobalt, Graphite, Lithium and Steel_122 cm x 38,2 cm x 15,2 cm

 

Tahir Carl Karmali

Rwenzoris, 2018

 

 

 

 

About:
My work develops from an interest in economics, geopolitics, and social systems. Drawing from issues surrounding the shifting global economy, I explore narratives and concepts inspired by affected communities. Combining photography, photocopying, collage, textile, paper making, installation, and sculpture to create objects that unfold these subjects. I often question what materials are allowed to become art and how specific materials themselves can tell a story centered in contemporary identities.

Tahir_Skin into blankets_2018_Raffia, Cobalt, Plastic, Copper, Graphite and Lithium_190 cm x 96,5 cm

Skin into Blankets, 2018.

« It is important for me to relate narrative to the concept, concept to material and material to process. My practice developed from an interest in contemporary identities shaped by an economic, geopolitical, and social system. »

TahirUntitled2017TahirUntitled2017cTahirUntitled2017d

All three: Untitled, 2017

Tahir Carl Karmali is a visual artist born in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Brooklyn, New York. Working with photography, collage and installation, Karmali’s work finds its roots in themes of identity, and how these said identities are shaped by economic,