Art by Rahmann Statik Barnes

Interview with Rahmaan Statik
47th St and lake Park, Hyde Park, Chicago Mural Project
Doctors save lives, police fight crime, and the Artist dictates what we know as Image, Icon, and Form. I live a life-style of observation and creation. I believe that being well informed on the subject of your work and having an organized strategy produces a more intriguing work of art. I believe man has the right to choose his reality. In my reality I have chosen my own destiny; time and fate have confirmed that producing art is my positive contribution to society.


The work I produce both symbolizes and creates optimism for life in our industrialized society. It also challenges the over-saturation of mindless sexual and violent images in pop visual culture. I put forth a passionate effort to produce art that has a spiritual, political and urban aesthetic.

My artwork has been executed by the use of computer based design layouts and constructed with various art mediums, such as spray paint, oil paint, and acrylic. The subjects of the work include figure studies, human nature and political issues. My goal is to break the preconceived idea of what most people may think aerosol art is, highlighting the difference between aerosol art and graffiti.

The spray can is an example of a post-World War II product that was not originally conceived for producing art, but as a household tool. Through the use of the Chiaroscuro technique, combined with classical and modern influences, my work seeks to have the spray can recognize as an artistic medium. Further, the nature of the medium being an aerosol can use for industry and aesthetic vandalism, is an icon for the fusion of art and technology. As such, it is a form of modern art.