Bassil Taleb

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GM GM Everyone,

Really excited to be sharing this artist feature with you all. Bassil Taleb is an artist I actually had not heard of before one of the Ogi subscribers mentioned we should chat. And I am really glad I followed through with this advice. It reminds me that this space is large and huge. And even if I am pretty connected to it, you can still meet/learn about new people or things every single day. It is why I created this newsletter to begin with to cover the wide array of topics, people and tech out there so we can all learn together!

Back to Bassil, I got really lucky that this is not Bassil’s first time doing an interview so I was able to ask some really pointed questions. I know that this caught him a bit off guard, but I really do think it led to some great responses I hope you enjoy this conversation and learning about Bassil and his art and history as a person. So find yourself a nice seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Interview

What are five words you would use to describe yourself? and why?

First, Resilience: It defines much of my journey. Leaving Syria and adapting to new cultural environments in Lebanon and then in Turkey, while maintaining dual careers, required a robust ability to overcome difficulties. This resilience isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving and finding ways to turn each challenge into an opportunity for growth. It instills in me a realistic yet hopeful outlook towards the future.

Second, Dreamer: My ambitions often require a vision that transcends immediate possibilities. Dreaming big has allowed me to comfort myself amidst challenges, staying motivated and focused on my long-term goals no matter the obstacles. This trait fuels my creative endeavors, pushing me to explore and manifest new ideas that resonate with shared human experiences.

Third, Contemplative: I'm driven by a deep curiosity about the world around me. My desire to understand goes beyond the superficial; I seek to understand the underlying concepts that shape our experiences. This compels me to continuously learn and connect ideas across diverse disciplines, allowing me to develop and refine my perspectives. It helps me create works that reflect a deeper understanding of human identity and what connects us all together.

Fourth, Resourceful: In both my art and architecture, I've had to be highly dedicated to finding innovative solutions often under tight constraints. Navigating these two realms—one highly physical and the other highly digital—encourages me to allow each side to feed off the other. This ability to adapt and optimize resources has been crucial in managing dual careers and in my creative processes.

Fifth, Methodically Reflective: Despite being highly resourceful, I often embrace a methodically reflective pace. I might even call it procrastination. This deliberate slowing down allows me to fully explore ideas and ensure that my creative output is not only comprehensive but also deeply impactful and well-considered. It's about quality and depth, taking the time to let concepts mature and evolve organically. This approach also means making sacrifices, such as stepping a bit outside the fast pace of social media and the market.

What are you reading or watching these days?

Currently, I’m immersed in a Blade Runner marathon. I'm revisiting the original film, Blade Runner 2049, and the shorts released just before the latter. I’m also diving into fan theories and online discussions about this world. I have a profound appreciation for sci-fi; it’s a genre that, with its technological leanings, deeply explores the human condition. Sci-fi allows us to reflect on our current values, contemplate how they might evolve, and consider what values we want to nurture for the future. Blade Runner tackles these themes wonderfully I feel.