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Art

DIY DOCS: SMAÏL KANOUTÉ

In DIY Doc’s, we take a look at how illustrators, artists and designers put their stamp on Dr. Martens shoes. Painting, tattooing or de-constructing – we’re giving them the creative freedom to express themselves off of the canvas.

Meet our next DIY Doc’s artist, Smaïl Kanouté, who customised our classic 1460 boot. Read on to find out more about his work, collaboration with AFROPUNK, and love for Paris…

Introduce yourself – who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Smaïl Kanouté. I am a graphic designer, silk-screen printer, artist and professional dancer. In 2006 I started creating my own expressive designs, a sort of abstract modern alphabet inspired from different cultures around the world. In 2011 I started the art collective, WEAR’T, with the aim to create unique clothing inspired by different urban and African cultures through artisanal silk-screen printing. In 2016 I drew and printed designs which were incorporated in Xuly Bët’s collection for their February 2016 New York Fashion Week show. I also collaborated with AFROPUNK in the past and created custom-made t-shirts and tote bags that were sold online and at their 2016 Brooklyn edition.

 

Who or what do you take inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from life, the people I meet and the trips I take. Those I meet have a huge influence on my creativity. I listen to a lot of different music to create rhythm, colour and motifs in my graphic artwork. When I walk I enjoy listening to music and drawing the motifs I imagine out in the air. In my opinion, a symbol is more powerful than words because it communicates a perception and a feeling that is true on a personal level. I also enjoy reading mangas and watching animated films that are filled with different themes, landscapes, cultures and dress styles. Art and dance are one of the same as movement is a real theme, it has a shape, an intention and a rhythm that takes place within a designated space.

Do you have an illustration or project you’re most proud of?

I am really proud to have created designs and prints for Xuly Bët’s February 2016 NYFW show. I am especially proud of the dress featured in the link because the print represents the collaboration between Kate Browne, a New York based artist who directed the COCOON art project, and the people living in the Goutte d’Or neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

Talk us through your customized Dr. Martens, was it a challenge working on a pair of shoes?

I customised three pairs of 1460 boots in one week. It was a real challenge because I was simultaneously working on my first dance show (“Les Actes du Désert” at Mains D’Oeuvres). I reflected on both AFROPUNK and Dr. Martens engaging and revolutionary aspects and decided to name the series “We the People” which is the official slogan of the festival. I decided to work with fabric as it is an important means of communication in Africa to express a message, an idea, or a state of mind through different motifs. I inspired myself from AFROPUNK’s slogan and logo with the two crossed arms making the sign of unity and force. I created motifs that reflect on identity and on Man’s place in nature. I used two different techniques: drawing with Posca pens and textile screen-printing. The hardest part was getting the printed fabric to stick onto the shoes.

In my opinion, these shoes represent a meeting point between different musical, ethnic and artistic cultures. It’s a new planetary movement that is in action.

 

What inspired you to make these boots ahead of the AFROPUNK Paris festival?

These shoes have become a symbol of protest and engagement just like real African fabric. I was happy to be able to bring these two worlds together (AFROPUNK and Dr. Martens) in a single product. These shoes perfectly define the term Afropunk. In my opinion, these shoes represent a meeting point between different musical, ethnic and artistic cultures. It’s a new planetary movement that is in action.

Do you listen to music whilst you work? Name three tracks you can’t hear enough of:

“Figures” by Bonobo

“Borders” by M.I.A.

“Saa Magni” by Oumou Sangaré

If you could have any super-power, what would it be?

I would like to have the power to fly.

If you could draw anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

It would be Muhammad Ali!

Tell us your favourite thing about the city you live in:

I live in the Goutte d’Or neighborhood in Paris that I love because it’s the only truly Parisian and African village. It’s comprised of two parts: Château Rouge and Barbès Rochechouart. This area is like a bubble because of all its social, cultural and ethnic diversity. This neighborhood is filled with people from all parts of the globe. It feels like I’m in a movie sometimes because there is always something going on here. I feel at home in this neighborhood. It really inspires me because of all its colorful markets, dress styles, concerts, gatherings, parties, and because so many artists live here. I highly recommend visiting the Goutte d’Or area as it is truly magical!

I like walking around on the steps of the Sacré Cœur because you have a view of all of Paris which can’t be beat. It’s also pleasant to walk around the different quais of Paris.

In my free time I like to go to the Centquatre, a public space where artists and dancers can come to practice. The Canal Saint Martin isn’t too far and is also great to go on walks all the way to La Villette which is a huge park. I also enjoy going to exhibits, shows and meditating.

My motto is “Vivons” which translates to “live”. The more we live in the present moment and the more open we will be to new encounters and experiences. I always remember the fact that there are 7 billion of us living on earth and so many people to meet in one’s life.

Tell us about your first pair of Dr. Martens:

I’ve never worn Dr. Martens, but when I think of the brand I think of the Punk and Hard Rock movements. The image that comes to mind is the Sex Pistols album with the message “God Save the Queen”. It’s a bit cliché but everyone I’ve met who wears Dr. Martens has listened to those musical genres.

And finally, what do you stand for?

My motto is “Vivons” which translates to “live”. The more we live in the present moment and the more open we will be to new encounters and experiences. I always remember the fact that there are 7 billion of us living on earth and so many people to meet in one’s life.

 

Keep up to date with Smaïl Kanouté on Instagram and Twitter.

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