I had so much fun writing about NYC artists and their art last time that I want to continue this trend and introduce you to my dear friend and talented artist Koki Doktori. I love his paintings and the visceral reaction that I experience. He has always veered toward the abstract, which is made obvious by taking one glimpse at his Soho studio. Large-scale abstracts and groupings of smaller drawings adorn the walls, and plenty of others are stored on the sides, each with its own unique movement and story.

Koki paints in watercolor, oil, and acrylic. His paintings and charcoal drawings are primarily on canvas and paper. He finds that he is most creative when working with abstract forms and says that painting in the abstract allows him to “dig into his own soul to create work.” While abstract, his paintings and drawings still have underlying themes and subjects. Throughout his career, he has created series of geometric forms, masks, and flowers.

He is currently influenced by African sculptures, many of which live in his home and are a part of his private art collection; Koki’s recent work focuses on sensuality and the human body. If you look long enough, human forms can be seen through gestural paint strokes, but the images stray away from the figurative just enough to let the viewer’s mind wander and get lost in the colors and movement.  I snapped a few shots of his work and his studio space at a recent visit. Although it is hard to translate the passion of his work in mere photograph, I hope you enjoy his art as much as I do!

Koki Doktori in his Soho studio