The atmosphere at Krasota Restaurant is electric—a fusion of contemporary minimalism, sleek design, and, most of all, the vibrant energy that emanates from the art that surrounds us. It’s here that renowned artist Mederic Turay and Chic Icon’s editor-in-chief Alina Dyachenko meet for an intimate conversation, amidst his stunning new artworks. This exhibition, now displayed at RARARES Art Gallery in Dubai, showcases Turay’s signature exploration of the past, present, and future—a reflection of his multifaceted identity and journey. The depth of his paintings speaks of distant memories, complex emotions, and symbols that transcend borders.
Chic Icon: Your latest exhibition carries such a profound connection to Africa. You’ve mentioned before that your work is influenced by the “Velocity of Africa.” What does that mean to you?
Mederic Turay: It’s about the raw energy that Africa embodies—its landscapes, its history, its people. Africa isn’t just a continent; it’s the beginning, the origin of humanity. When you look at its rich landscapes, the textures, and the diverse cultures, there’s so much energy within that. It’s more than just visual; it’s a feeling you experience in your body, in your spirit. That’s why I call it the “Velocity”—because it’s an accelerating force that keeps moving through time. And not just the physical journey of people, but the legacy we’ve inherited from our ancestors. The traces left by them are part of who we are today, even before we left Africa.
Chic Icon: In your work, you seem to explore elements of African tribal culture, but do you think your art is confined to that?
Mederic Turay: It’s part of me, yes. Those elements come from my ancestry, and they seep into my art. But it’s never just about the tribes. What I’m really capturing is something much broader—the universal symbols that we all share, whether in Africa or beyond. I try to create a symphony between the past and the present. Symbols repeat across cultures. Take, for example, what we now use as emojis. They’re modern, but they carry the same meaning as ancient symbols. It’s fascinating to me how, over generations, these symbols have evolved in form but not in essence. What I paint isn’t just rooted in my culture—it’s human, with a capital H.
Chic Icon: Do you travel to find these symbols in person, or do you rely more on reading and research?
Mederic Turay: I travel, yes. I often capture things that I don’t even fully understand at the moment. They speak to me in a way I can’t always explain. It’s like this magic that happens—when I’m inspired by something, I don’t even know why. Later, when I start to analyze my work, I realize the deeper meaning behind those symbols. Take, for example, the three stripes in my paintings—they represent the three major opportunities in life. The youth, where we absorb everything; adulthood, where we learn; and the senior years when we reflect. It’s not about culture—it’s about life. And life, at its core, is about decisions. We can change the course of our lives through choices. I use symbols like these to remind myself—and others—that life is short, and every decision matters.
Chic Icon: Speaking of symbols and culture, you’ve mentioned before that African knowledge, much of it passed down orally, has been lost due to conquests and war. Do you feel like it’s your job as a contemporary African artist to help uncover that lost knowledge?
Mederic Turay: Absolutely. Africa’s history has been disrupted, and we can’t change the past, but we can definitely shape the future. There’s this famous African saying: “When an old person dies, it’s like a burning library.” It speaks to the idea that knowledge was passed down orally. When wars happened, much of that wisdom was lost because it wasn’t written down. In my work, my characters are always communicating—smiling, speaking, with their mouths open. It’s a reminder of that oral tradition, of the power of communication. It’s something that’s often overlooked, but it’s a vital part of our identity.
Chic Icon: I’ve noticed that your paintings often feature dots and symbols like yin and yang. Could you explain their significance?
Mederic Turay: Yes, I use dots, especially on faces, to symbolize that we need to move beyond our surface—our appearance—and focus on the essence of who we are. The yin and yang symbol, particularly in the eyes of my characters, represents balance—how life is a constant dance between light and darkness. You need both to understand the full picture. Life isn’t linear, and our souls are not defined by just one side of us. It’s the combination of the two that creates the richness of experience.
Chic Icon: How did your time in the U.S. shape your work?
Mederic Turay: Africa kept me grounded. It gave me a sense of self, a connection to my roots. But the U.S. was where I learned to open my mind and embrace different cultures. Traveling has always been a blessing—it’s like feeding your soul. It’s through travel and experiencing new things that you learn who you truly are. You also realize how similar we all are, despite the differences in where we come from. That’s the beauty of humanity—we all share the same basic experiences, no matter our backgrounds.
Chic Icon: When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
Mederic Turay: I knew from a young age. I started drawing when I was about seven or eight. I would copy cartoons, fascinated by the shapes and the abstraction of bodies. But it wasn’t until I won my first art prize that I really took it seriously. That was a turning point.
Chic Icon: Did you come from a creative background?
Mederic Turay: Not at all. I was growing up without a mother, as my parents divorced quite early. My father was in the military. He had very strict expectations for me to become something like a doctor or engineer. But I was always drawn to creativity. There were no artists in my family, so I was the first. It wasn’t easy convincing him. My teacher in Washington, D.C., kept telling them, “Your son is an artist. You need to support him.” But he didn’t understand at first. It was hard for him to accept.
Chic Icon: It must have been challenging, but amazing that he came around in the end.
Mederic Turay: Yes, it was. When I won that first prize, that’s when my father finally understood. He saw the community’s reaction, and he gave me his blessing. That was a pivotal moment—it opened doors for me. When you have your family’s support, it’s everything. It’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders. That was when my career as an artist really began.
Chic Icon: Do you think your lack of maternal influence shaped your creativity?
Mederic Turay: Absolutely. I think it’s part of what made me turn to art. When you have a void, you seek to fill it. For me, that void was filled with creativity.
Chic Icon: That’s deeply introspective, thank you for sharing. On a different note, I’ve heard that you’re inspired by artists like Picasso and Kandinsky. How did they influence you?
Mederic Turay: I connect with their passion, their spirituality. It’s not just about their technique but their intensity. Picasso, Kandinsky, and even Francis Bacon—they all had this deep emotional resonance. It’s the same for me. Art isn’t just about the visual—it’s about the emotion behind it, the soul. I try to materialize the intangible.
Chic Icon: And speaking of your work, what inspired your latest works introduced in Dubai?
Mederic Turay: It’s a reflection of my journey—my evolution as an artist. I wanted to show the diversity of what I do. My work is about exploring the unknown, and the audience’s reactions are part of that exploration.
Chic Icon: Do you see yourself creating pieces influenced by Dubai?
Mederic Turay: Absolutely. I’ve never worked with ceramics before, and I’m exploring that here. Dubai has a unique energy, and it’s inspiring me to think about new mediums and fresh ideas.
Chic Icon: It sounds like you’re just getting started here in Dubai.
Mederic Turay: Yes, this is just the beginning. There’s so much to see, so much to learn, and so much to share. Dubai is a crossroads for the world, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
Chic Icon: We’re looking forward to seeing more of your exhibitions in the UAE, Mederic. Thank you for this incredible conversation.
Mederic Turay: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure. The adventure is just beginning.
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