Zakee Shariff

As someone whose colour palette for life closely resembles Zakee Shariff's I was very intrigued by her aesthetic philosphy. Zakee Shariff is based in London and does some serious dabbling in Textile & Graphic Design as well as Merchandising. She has designed for Topshop & corporate giant Coca-Cola and had her work displayed at the V & A Museum, London. In 1996 Zakee Launched her eponymous label and hasn't looked back since.

Tell us a little about your background.

I am first generation Indian born in London, my parents are of Indian origin but born in Kenya and Tanzania I have been in London most of my life except from age 3-7 when we lived in Pakistan. I studied Textiles Print at Middlesex University, it was a very fine art based course, with a strong impetus on painting and drawing. I have been drawing since I can remember. When I was a kid, my mum always said if I couldn't explain something I should draw it, and I always seemed to feel that I could express my self better that way.

What puts you in the creative mood?

I am very interested in street culture, human behavior, and music. I'm trying more and more these days to make work that is about my intuition. I conjure up an image and start to draw and see where it flows. I have always felt a strong urge to make work that encourages peace and love on our planet and follows an ethereal path.

Who inspires you artistically?

I love Robert Rauschenberg, the whole Pop Art/Post Modernist Era, Cy Twombly & Richard Prince. Also Photographers like Thomas Ruff, Andreas Gursky & Dan Holdsworth.


Do the Skulls & Stars in your work hold a special significance to your life?

In 1998 two very important people in my life had passed away, so I made a point of using the stars to represent their spirit flying above me and traveling with me and my work always. And the skulls are from my fascination with the Mexican "Day of The Dead" when they celebrate the dead by using the skull icon in a colourful positive way. For me it represented an acceptance to death and that we all will leave this earth one day.

Whats the average day in the life of Zakee Shariff like?

Wake up, smile at my husbands face, mediate for 20mins, cycle to my studio work very hard like a dynamo and whatever is on that day, head home or to yoga, make dinner and relax or go for a walk or dinner/movie/hanging out with friends.

What’s in store for the future & the Zakee Shariff brand?

I am concentrating on a balance of really digging deep into my fine art and making work that is moving in a new direction and away from design. And then the design side of me is launching my web store mid this year, with a diversity of product. From fashion, to interior, to music, to posters, and jewelry.

Any plans to open shop in India anytime soon?

I have been feeling more and more every day that I need to go back to my roots, back to India. My mother and I are planning a journey to India this year, I am aware that so much has changed. My mum always told me that God lives in India, and that is why it is so magic. That is has an energy you cannot find anywhere else. So you never know a shop could happen. But for now, I'd love to just enjoy its magic.