Shakir James is a self-taught Trinbagonian artist and current (2024) Computer Science Student based in Maryland USA, who picked up a pencil and paper at age three years. He further developed his craft when he started attending art classes at age eight years. Working in charcoal and graphite as his primary and current medium has allowed him to embrace the tradition of the old masters and narrow in what he wishes convey at his core.

 

The human experience.

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Shakir's work, at once surreal and hyperreal, is the embodiment of the way he chooses to express himself, to convey the way we perceive everyday life and emotions, to say that in this life the experiences we share are the test of our humanity.  His highly detailed and compositional pieces reflect his persona. With the help of his social media platforms, he has been able to bring his supporters along the journey of his creations. This has ultimately helped him put a start to his journey as an artist.

His words – “I often question many things, so I try to find meaning in the simplest of things we enjoy and endure, but of course, not everything requires such but instead has a purpose of just being. Plus, I love drawing things that just speak to me.”