084: Idris Khan

Through the most abstract of output, British artist Idris Khan is speaking to us in the most literal of ways. Through paintings and sculpture, Khan is in a constant conversation between lightness and darkness; obviously at the time we live, a pivotal discourse. On the occasion of his new print with Migrate Art, "I Thought We Had More Time...," with 100% of profits will be sent to Disasters Emergency Committee via the Evening Standard's Ukraine Appeal, this conversation of universality and tragedy is at the forefront. As Sean Kelley notes of Khan's work: "Whilst Khan’s mindset is more painterly than photographic, he often employs the tools of photomechanical reproduction to create his work. Photographing or scanning from secondary source material–sheet music, pages from the Qur’an, reproductions of late Caravaggio paintings–he then builds up the layers of scans digitally, which allows him to meticulously control minute variances in contrast, brightness and opacity. The resultant images are often large-scale C-prints with surfaces that have a remarkable optical intensity." The Radio Juxtapoz podcast is hosted by FIFTH WALL TV's Doug Gillen and Juxtapoz editor, Evan Pricco. Episode 084 was recorded in March 2022 in London. Follow us on @radiojuxtapoz