Osman Yousefzada
A person of note tells us what they’re watching, listening to and more…
This London-based, Birmingham-born interdisciplinary artist’s practice has expanded since he launched his eponymous fashion label in 2008. His work is concerned with the representation of the migrant experience and references contemporary socio-political issues – themes he explores through moving images, installations, text works, sculpture, garment making and performance. Yousefzada has exhibited globally, from the Whitechapel Gallery and Lahore Biennale to the Cincinnati Art Museum in Ohio. His trio of site-specific installations, What is Seen and What is Not, (on display at the V&A until 30 September) were commissioned by the British Council and the London gallery to mark 75 years of Pakistan’s independence.
The first band I loved was Oasis ( 6). Their rich sound became the anthem of a generation – especially a working-class generation. My all-time favourite piece of music would probably be Sanson Ki Mala by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan ( 2). It’s a Hindu devotional song, sung by a Muslim.
I’m currently listening to The Blaze, a French duo. Their music is transportative and fits in with my daydreaming. I like reimagining spaces and worlds in my work, and sometimes the right frequency of music helps me do that.
The book that influenced me the most is The Crack-Up, a collection of essays by F Scott Fitzgerald. I love the language and the beautifully constructed sentences. After so many years, it still stays with me.
My favourite films are American Beauty and the Studio Ghibli classic Howl’s Moving Castle ( 4). Both are hypnotic.
I’m currently reading a preview book: Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man ( 7) [an allegorical tale that touches on ideas of race, love and loss]. I can’t put it down.
I’m currently watching Stranger Things, trying to keep up with Gen Z. Plus RuPaul’s Drag Race, for when I want to unwind.
My best-loved quote is, ‘The wound is the place where the light enters you,’ by Rumi. My favourite painting is Chris Ofili’s Blue Devils. It’s so mesmerising, the colour play and restrictive palette. It’s like taking a walk in the twilight.
My favourite galleries are the V&A, Tate Modern and the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham ( 3). Their programming is always inspiring. My favourite restaurant is 180 House on the Strand ( 1) or any Soho House, where I usually order the avocado and lettuce salad. The greatest meal I’ve ever had is my sister’s biryani – sublime. She and my mum are the best cooks. Sorry, I’m biased!
My collecting mainly consists of my friends’ artworks. I normally swap one of my works in return.
If I won the lottery, I’d open up an art school in a working-class area.
My favourite place in the world is Zanzibar ( 5), particularly the old part of the city known as Stone Town. It has this special synthesis of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements.
If I could have designed one thing, it would have been the iPhone – but I would get it to switch off when it thinks you have used it too much for the day.
This year, I’m looking forward to my show at the V&A – What is Seen and What is Not – and my trip to Ubud in Bali ( 8) for the literary festival. osmanstudio.com