Meet 2020 Define American Artist Fellow Goolam Saber! Goolam is a multi-disciplinary visual artist from Johannesburg, South Africa, currently living in Phoenix, Arizona. His work acknowledges the past that shaped the present using ancient elements and combining them with contemporary practice.
? What artists are inspiring you these days?
Stephan Sagmeister. Neri Oxman. Renzo Piano. Mathieu Lehanneur.
? What’s a risk you’ve taken lately?
Immigrating to the United States as a Muslim during the Trump presidency. Birthing a child during COVID-19. Making the conscious decision to pursue art as a sustainable career.
? When you’re having a bad day, what do you do?
I sit and ponder about the deep appreciation I have for this life and understand how futile my moods are in the bigger scheme of life. Alas, I don’t have bad days. I have days that require different methods of problem-solving.
? What is your greatest extravagance?
Making a secure living from my art practice whilst making meaningful differences.
? What music artist do you have on repeat right now?
The Weekend’s Blinding Lights and Roddy Rich’s The Box .
? What was the last book/movie you read/watched?
Love Birds was actually kinda funny.
Binged – Vida
Binged – The Magicians
Binged – Gentefied
? What’s a book you would recommend?
Design after dark by Cynthia Rose. The story of dancefloor style. Lettering large by Steven Helle. Art and design of monumental typography. The Mission, Dick Evans.
? What’s your favorite color?
I have a few favorite colour combinations. Fern green tones complimented by natural wood grains. Neon pinks (hot pink) with subtle gray tones)
? What is something bringing you joy right now?
My Frenchie puppy, my pregnant wife and my abundant life and honestly this fellowship.
? What advice do you have for young people who are pursuing an artistic practice?
Stick with it, especially when times are tough, and you see no reason to carry on that’s where the true teachings lie. I believe that’s where you find your strength.