Faris Badwan: Creatures in Colour

In 'Creatures in Colour', artist and The Horrors frontman Faris Badwan presents dreamlike watercolour and ink drawings that experiment with colour theory and paint. A former art student at Central St Martins, Badwan has kept sketch books all his life and often spends up to a few hours a day drawing in a “hypnotic states of consciousness”. The element of a visual diary to Badwan’s work makes his drawings fascinating as they reflect on new ideas, thoughts and inspirations of his. And from tomorrow his intricately detailed work can be seen at The Strand Gallery, opening up a new door to the world of Faris Badwan... 

A lot of my inspiration comes from watching people and trying to understand or interpret their actions. Human behaviour is something I'm fascinated by

Dazed Digital: What does art mean to you?
Faris Badwan: A lot of my inspiration comes from watching people and trying to understand or interpret their actions. Human behaviour is something I'm fascinated by. Equally I'm aware that many of the people who come to my exhibitions have the same interests. They want to observe the world of the drawings and discover the secrets. Anything with a visual diary aspect is going to attract voyeurs.

DD: You must have a very busy schedule already, how do you find time to draw? 
Faris Badwan: Art is just something that happens, like a good mood or an illness. It's something to endure or enjoy depending on the day. It's too much a part of my life for me to need to find time for it. That's not always a positive though - I'll have loads of more pressing concerns and then find myself locked in finishing a page.

DD: Why do you like to work with ink and watercolours?
Faris Badwan: I've only recently been using watercolours but they can be extremely vivid and transporting. I like the enthusiasm that comes with enjoying new things.

DD: Who was your childhood hero?
Faris Badwan: I don't know - I guess I always thought Mark Bolan was cool but mainly Ralph Macchio in the Karate Kid.

DD: What’s your favourite work of art?
Faris Badwan: At the moment, 'Hope II' by Gustav Klimt.

‘Creatures in Colour: Sketchbooks from Faris Badwan’ takes place at The Strand Gallery, London between 19th - 30th September, 2012