Introduction
Hey Khana, thanks for your time! How are you doing today?
Hi, I am doing great! Thank you so much for inviting me to share my story.
Where are you from, and what’s life like there?
I am from a seaside town called Weston-super-Mare. It’s not the most exciting place but as I’m getting older I’m learning to appreciate it’s simplicity. Weston-super-Mare does have a scooter rally every year, so it’s not all bad.
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as creative, slightly awkward, a perfectionist with a good sense of humour.
Roots & the beginning
Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I had a great childhood, my parents were really into music and fashion. So from an early age I knew about subculture, especially Punk. My mum used to take me to Kensington market and Camden high street to see all the punks and goths. She also used to take me to the National Gallery to look at all the art. I think that’s what got me into painting.
How did you first discover the skinhead scene?
When I was a teenager my parents opened a shop, they sold Fred Perry polo’s and Ben Sherman shirts. Skinheads and mods would come in and get themselves a new shirt for the weekend.
Was music, style, or politics the first thing that pulled you in?
Definitely style first, music second. I just love the look, there is definitely something quite alluring about it.
I just love the look – there’s something quite alluring about it
Do you remember the first time you thought: “Yes, this is my culture”?
I think it was after my dad became a DJ and he used to put on Northern soul and ska nights. Everyone into the scene would turn up, it was great to meet so many people and everyone was so friendly.
Art
When did you start creating portraits seriously?
I got really into painting portraits in my early twenties. It was my ambition to do it full time and I even got myself on an art tv show, and in exhibitions and magazines but then I just got fed up and stopped painting for years. Now I am back in love with art and I’m obsessed with painting again, and very serious about what I am doing.
What made you want to focus on subcultural imagery?
It’s just such a great subject. I feel so happy about my work these days compared to when I started out – I’ve had so many people tell me they love the portraits because they’re reminded of the way they used to dress, or the way they still do!
People tell me they love my portraits because they’re reminded of the way they used to dress – or still do.
Can you walk us through your process from sketch to finished print?
I gathered all the images together that have inspired me and I sketch out a rough idea of how I want the painting to look, then start painting. Sometimes I will paint over sections several times before I make up my mind how I want the final image to look like. When my work is complete I photograph it, then send it off to get printed. I find it really hard to part with my original paintings so it\’s good that I can sell the prints.
Do you prefer working by hand, digitally, or blending the two?
Definitely by hand, I’m quite old school when it comes to art.
Which piece of yours do you feel the strongest connection to, and why?
The last painting I completed (girl with skinhead farewell book) it has elements that remind me of my parents. My mum had Richard Allen books around the house and me and my dad use to enjoy watching Bob Ross together.
How do you decide who or what to portray?
I’m not really sure. I will just see something randomly that will inspire me, it could be the colour or pattern on a shirt or the shape of someone’s face. Everything will just click into place. I don’t always make it work though, but that’s all part of the process.
Subculture & Identity
Your art often features skinheads, mods, and sharp dressers – what’s your own connection to these styles?
Sadly I am not the sharpest dresser, but I do like to incorporate elements of each style into what I wear when I’m not covered in paint. I have a growing collection of Fred Perrys and I do love my Dr Marten shoes, now we are past the blister phase.
What do you think makes the skinhead look timeless?
It’s a look that’s functional and classic, and it’s steeped in working-class culture. The style has carried through the decades – having pride in dressing smart and polishing your Dr. Martens until they shine like mirrors will always be timeless.
What are some common misconceptions about skinhead imagery in art?
I guess people wrongly feel maybe there might be some far right undertones in skinhead art.
Do you see your portraits as documentation of the scene, or reinterpretation?
Because of the nature of how I put my artwork together, I see it as more of an reinterpretation. My portraits are more glamorized than edgy or true to life.
Anti-racism & politics
You describe your art as anti-racist — how do you bring that into your work?
I choose to label my artwork as anti racist because I know how easy it is for people who aren’t familiar with skinhead scene to confuse it with neo Nazi Skinheads. I’m not sure how to covey that message but some people will always choose to be ignorant.
I choose to label my artwork as anti racist because I know how easy it is for people who aren’t familiar with skinhead scene to confuse it with neo Nazi Skinheads.
Do you see art as activism, or more as a way to start conversations?
It’s probably more of a conversation starter as a lot of people I know ask me why I paint this subject and they never really asked me that question before when I was painting other subjects.
Have you ever had your work misread politically? How do you handle that?
Not yet! But I’m sure it’s on the cards. I had someone ask me when I’m going to give up painting Skinhead girls and start painting something “better”… I stomped on him! Haha, just kidding.
I had someone ask me when I’m going to give up painting Skinhead girls and start painting something ‘better’… I stomped on him! Haha, just kidding.
What message do you hope younger people take away from your portraits?
I’m not sure but I hope someone might see my work and be inspired to paint or just to adopt a great sense of style.
Exhibitions & Recognition
How did it feel to have your work selected for the RWA 172 Annual Open Exhibition?
Totally shocked! I really didn’t expect my work to be chosen, let alone be used to publicize the exhibition. It’s a extremely proud moment for me.
Do you present your art differently in galleries versus selling it online?
I am only really selling prints of my work right now. I will be having a exhibition next year though, so watch this space.
What’s the best reaction you’ve had to seeing someone connect with your work in person?
I remember when I dropped off my painting to the RWA exhibition and everyone was so fascinated. Some people thought it was a photo, so it was nice to see other artists connect with my work on a skills level. I guess it’s nice to have people appreciate and connect with the technique as well as the subject.
DIY & Online shop
Your eBay and Vinted shops mix art prints with scarves, handmade crafts, and decorations. How did that side of things start?
It all started with a pocket hankie. When my parents had their mod/Skinhead shop, a guy who sells mod suits came in and dropped off some accessories including some four pointed pocket hankies. I became fascinated with mens accessories and I started making prefolded hankies and mod scarves, they were so popular and even to this day me and my mum still make and sell mod scarves.
Do you see the DIY and handmade side as equal to your fine art practice?
Yes, it’s very much a part of me. I usually paint all day and craft all night long, ha ha. I have been crafting for years, it definitely keeps me sane and out of trouble.
What’s the strangest or most unexpected thing you’ve sold?
I sold some art in an erotic art show in America. It was a strange piece and I was surprised someone bought it.
Fashion & Style
What’s your favourite outfit at the moment?
My husband bought me a new claret and blue Fred Perry polo and I can’t take it off! I also have a second hand denim skirt that I love wearing with my Dr Marten shoes.
What is your favourite fashion brand and why?
Fred Perry for sure. I hope to have one in every colour, one for every mood.
Sneakers or boots?
Both! Sneakers for long windy walks along the beach and boots for a bit of stomping!
Do you have a dream outfit or piece you’d love to own one day?
I would love to have one of those Burberry flashers macs. I just think it would look so good with a black Fred Perry, tight jean and cherry red Dr Marten shoes.
Music
What’s your top 5 bands or artists right now?
Toots and the Maytals
Oasis
The Specials
Edwin Starr
Rammstein
Oasis
The Specials
Edwin Starr
Rammstein
What is your favourite concert you have ever been to?
I haven’t been to many concerts but my husband got me a ticket to go and see Rammstein and honestly it was one of the most epic concerts ever!
Is there a record, book, or film that shaped your art most strongly?
When I first watched This Is England, it felt like Britain was back on the map — it revived the skinhead style for a new generation. It has definitely influenced my art. Another major influence is the artist J.H. Lynch — his painting Tina has been hugely inspiring to me.
Wrapping it up
What advice would you give to someone starting out as a young artist in subculture?
Don’t let other peoples negative comments deter you from what you want to create. Find your audience and you will always feel supported
Where can people follow or support your work?
Please come and follow me on Instagram @khana_khan_artist
Anything you would like to say to the SKNWRLD community?
I would love to say a big thank you to everyone that has shown support and appreciation for my artwork. Love you all!
If you would like to support Khana please follow her on Instagram
All content used in this article is shared with consent of the creator.
