Artist in conversation: Design by Dorgham
“The unexplainable is usually what resonates the most with people, as it requires you to think and feel more.”
Design by Dorgham is the creative brainchild of an artist who found his calling in the midst of personal turmoil. Born out of a struggle with severe depression, art became his refuge and ultimately, his life's passion. This journey of self-discovery allowed him to break free from a predetermined path and fully embrace his inherent creative spark.
Dorgham is a mixed-medium artist who masterfully blends acrylic, oil, spray, photography, and graphic design to create his pieces. His work primarily revolves around abstract art, a style he chose for its ability to evoke deep, personal interpretations. He believes that art should resonate with individuals on a unique level and provoke thought beyond the immediate visible.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My realisation of being an artist only came recently, yet the spark that drives it is something I’ve had for a long time. I see the world and think in a very specific and creative way, and up till now I’ve always thought it to be odd relative to the people around me. It made me feel out of place. However, I realised that this isn’t something to be ashamed of, but something to embrace. Unfortunately, it took being diagnosed with depression and having a breakdown for me to see that my calling is for something creative. My style is still in its infancy, but one thing I can say is I love abstract. For me, art should connect with people and make people think, but in a unique way. Abstract opens the doors to so many unique and beautiful interpretations.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
I focus a lot on the unexplainable – thoughts or feelings that we struggle to convey. They say a picture says a thousand words, and as cliché as that is it’s also true. The unexplainable is usually what resonates the most with people, as it requires you to think and feel more. Being able to help people tap into that can open their eyes to things they never knew about themselves or the world around them. Across my mediums, particularly photography, I also like to capture natural moment. Whilst these may be more explainable, they also show how beautiful normal life can be.
How do you navigate the balance between self-destruction and re-creation as a way towards conscious Happiness?
It’s a difficult balance to maintain. For a long time, I wasn’t even aware that I was on a self-destructive path, and a lot of people may not realise this either. It usually takes something dark to come to this conclusion. In my case it took developing bad habits and going down a traditional life path to realise how much self-destruction I was causing. However, where there’s destruction, there’s opportunity for re-creation, and this can be exciting. The chance to set things in your tone, your way. But if you go too far, then you can end up forgetting where you came from and who you are. The way I now balance this is to remind myself what led me to here and now, and to see where what I’m doing can take. Even through my art, each piece can spark new ideas and themes for me to explore, which takes me on my journey further.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
A particular project that was challenging for me was my first series of squeegee prints. These hold a real significance for me, as these were the first pieces, I did follow my breakdown. The challenge came from piecing the dark veil to pick up the squeegee and rediscover my creative side, but also to start addressing how I was feeling. The way I overcame this was a combination of support from family, but also to take it step by step and to let myself fall into it.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
Since I began design training, I’ve been keeping close to different exhibitions and talks offered by galleries in London. The photographer’s gallery and the design museum are two favourites of mine, as well as the Tate Modern. I’m also a member of London Fields Design School, which has given me the tools to develop my graphic design and modelling practise but also connect with other designers and artists from vast backgrounds.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I’m very open to feedback – its something I’ve learnt over time and now more than ever I see the benefit of it. Feedback is what makes you grow, and without it you’d be stuck forever. I try to create an environment where feedback is welcome, wither through group initiatives or open spaces, and I take the time to understand what the feedback is. If I think it stems from a misunderstanding of the piece, then I respectful explain the rationale behind the piece.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
If I encounter a creative block, which definitely does happen, then the first thing I do is exercise. Whether it’s a walk, or run, or gym, this helps me feel good and to start clearing my mind. By doing these things as well, it gives me an opportunity to immerse myself in the world around me, and this has proven to help spark new ideas and themes. I also recently got some art dice, which help give a random idea to play around with. Going to galleries and seeing other works also helps ideation.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I’m really excited and privileged to be able to showcase some of my film photography with the Holy Art Gallery. It’s a great opportunity for me to expand my network and to meet some other creative inspirations.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I want to continue to build my style across art and design, looking towards bigger and more thought-provoking projects. In the design world, I want to build more experience as a graphic designer and 3D modeller and incorporate these skills into my art as a new dimension. I’m working with other designers to seek opportunities to do this, and my network of artists will allow me to develop these projects.