Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Christos-Larbi.
Hi Alexander, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
One of the most significant developments in my journey has been the creation of KOLIKO, a character and visual language that has become central to my artistic identity. The name came from a conversation with my mother, who once saw one of my paintings during a video call and asked in Ga, “Mɛni KOLIKO ofee nɛɛ?” which roughly translates to, “What kind of masquerade are you painting?” Initially, I felt a little discouraged by her reaction, but with time, I began to see a deeper meaning in it. It made me think about how quickly we judge things we don’t understand. That moment eventually inspired me to explore identity, perception, belonging, and the way people see and misunderstand one another through KOLIKO.
My journey hasn’t always been straightforward. There have been periods of uncertainty, creative blocks, and moments when I questioned my direction. I’ve also learned that my environment plays a significant role in my creativity. Moving through different places, meeting people, experiencing life, and even going through difficult personal situations have all influenced the way I see and approach my work.
Today, I see myself as more than just an artist who creates objects or paintings. I see myself as a storyteller, using art to give a voice to emotions, experiences, and people whose stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. My work is deeply personal, but I also hope that people can find parts of their own lives and experiences within it.
I’m still evolving, still experimenting, and still figuring things out. I don’t believe I’ve reached a final destination, and perhaps that’s what makes this journey meaningful to me. Every piece I create teaches me something new about myself, the people around me, and the world we live in. Ultimately, I want to build a body of work that not only reflects who I am but also leaves people with something to think about long after they’ve encountered it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, no, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any creative journey, mine has come with its fair share of challenges, uncertainty, self-doubt, and moments when I questioned whether I was moving in the right direction.
One of my biggest struggles has been finding the right environment to nurture my creativity. I’ve experienced periods when ideas came naturally and I could create freely, and other times when I felt completely disconnected from my own creativity. I realized that my surroundings, the people around me, and even the pressure of everyday life have a significant impact on my ability to create.
Another challenge has been trying to build a career around something that doesn’t always have a predictable path. Being an independent artist means constantly figuring things out, from finding the resources and materials to bring an idea to life to creating opportunities to share and sell my work. There are times when you have a vision of what you want to achieve, but the financial resources, support, or opportunities aren’t readily available.
I’ve also struggled with being understood. My work is often abstract and conceptual, and not everyone immediately connects with it. Sometimes, what I create may be interpreted very differently from what I intended. But over time, I’ve learned that art doesn’t always have to be understood in one particular way. Everyone brings their own experiences and perspectives to a piece, and I’ve come to appreciate that.
Perhaps the most personal struggle has been learning to deal with myself: my impatience, my expectations, and the pressure I sometimes put on myself to achieve more or figure everything out quickly. I’ve had to learn that growth doesn’t always happen at the pace we want it to.
But looking back, I think some of these challenges have become an important part of my artistic identity. They’ve taught me to be more intentional, to embrace uncertainty, and to understand that not every difficult season is a sign that I’m failing. Sometimes, it’s simply part of becoming who I’m meant to be. I’m still learning, but I’ve come to appreciate the process just as much as the outcome.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is rooted in contemporary conceptual storytelling. I work across painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media, often using whatever materials are available to communicate an idea or tell a story. I don’t like to limit myself to a particular medium because I believe the meaning behind a work should determine how it is created, rather than the other way around.
A lot of my work explores human emotions, identity, love, discomfort, truth, lies, struggle, and the complexities of everyday life. I’m particularly interested in the stories people carry but rarely talk about, the experiences that shape us, and the things society sometimes chooses to overlook. I want my work to give a voice to people who feel unheard, misunderstood, judged, or mistreated.
One of the things I’m most recognized for in my practice is KOLIKO, a character and visual language I developed through experimentation, observation, and personal experiences. KOLIKO has become an important part of my artistic identity. It allows me to explore themes of perception, identity, belonging, and judgment in a way that goes beyond traditional representation. The character isn’t always meant to tell one specific story. Instead, it carries different emotions, memories, and experiences that people can interpret through their own perspectives.
I’m also drawn to the relationship between materials and meaning. I enjoy working with textures, imperfections, unusual combinations, and unexpected materials because I believe they can communicate emotions in ways that words sometimes cannot. Even the process of creating a piece is important to me. Sometimes I paint with my fingers instead of brushes because I want that direct physical connection between myself, the emotion I’m experiencing, and the surface I’m working on.
What I’m most proud of is the freedom I’ve gradually developed to trust my own creative instincts. I no longer feel the need to fit into a particular artistic category or create work simply because it is considered beautiful or acceptable. I’m proud of being able to take personal experiences, difficult conversations, observations, and even moments of discomfort and transform them into something that others can connect with.
I think what sets me apart is the way I approach storytelling. I’m not always interested in giving viewers immediate answers or creating work that can be understood at first glance. I enjoy leaving room for questions, personal interpretations, and even discomfort. Some of my works have inscriptions on the back, allowing the story to exist beyond what is immediately visible. I want people to spend time with my work, look beyond its physical appearance, and discover what it might mean to them.
Ultimately, I don’t see my work as simply an expression of who I am. I see it as a space where my experiences and the experiences of others can meet. Every piece is an opportunity to start a conversation, challenge a perception, or make someone feel seen. I’m still discovering new ways to do that, and that continuous exploration is one of the things I value most about being an artist.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe taking risks is an important part of growth, especially as an artist. Sometimes, the biggest risk is choosing to trust yourself when there is no guarantee that things will work out. I’ve taken risks by pursuing art on my own terms, experimenting with unconventional materials, and creating work that doesn’t always fit people’s expectations. Building my identity as an independent artist has also meant stepping into uncertainty, investing in ideas, and embracing the possibility of failure. I don’t see every risk as something that must lead to success. Sometimes, taking a risk simply means giving yourself the opportunity to discover what you’re capable of.
Pricing:
- Original artworks: Pricing varies depending on the size, medium, materials, complexity, and concept behind each piece
- Commissions: Prices are determined by the nature of the project, materials required, scale, and time involved.
- Sculptures and ceramic works: Pricing varies based on the materials, techniques, dimensions, and level of detail.
- Limited-edition pieces and merchandise: Prices vary depending on the design, production, and edition size.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander__hazlo?stkn=aDgwdWt1dWdrZXc2&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-christos-larbi-4b719237b?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
