Exploring Calligraffiti: An Interview with Facies

“The real identity is the one we forge for ourselves, the one created in our soul.” - Facies

Art has a unique power to transcend boundaries, spark conversations, and bridge cultural gaps. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of Facies, a calligraffiti artist who seamlessly fuses the art of calligraphy and graffiti. Facies takes us on a journey through his artistic evolution, motivations, and aspirations, shedding light on how his work encourages transparency, peace, and unity in a diverse world.

A Brush with Destiny

In 2020, as the pandemic brought the world to a halt, Facies began his Arabic calligraffiti journey, making the most of the global quarantine. Taking inspiration from El Seed, an artist celebrated for using Arabic calligraphy and a unique artistic flair to convey messages of peace, unity, and the shared bonds of humanity across the world, Facies commenced his calligraphic explorations on paper before making the transition to the legal wall in Rouen, Montreal. It was there that he began to explore larger formats and eventually formed OTM CREW alongside fellow graffiti artists. Since then, his artistic path has led him to create captivating murals across Quebec and Europe, collaborate with brands, and holding exhibits.

The Significance of the Name "Facies"

Curious about the artistic name, we learned that the name Facies has its roots in the concept of transparency and authenticity. Derived from the French word "faciès," meaning the face without artifice. Facies reflects his dedication to being true to himself both in his art and his personal life. He hopes his name will inspire others to embrace transparency, foster peace of mind, and promote acceptance.

Art as a Bridge

Facies believes that his art serves as a bridge between communities. Through abstract calligraffiti, he invites viewers to meditate, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of art including Arabic calligraphy where it may be unfamiliar in a western society. His work encourages dialogue about identity, culture, and society. Facies' collaboration with Habibi Plz serves as a testament to the alignment of his artistic visions. The openness and inclusivity championed by Habibi Plz resonate with Facies, reinforcing his commitment to building bridges through his art. 

A Vision of Global Impact

Facies envisions a future as an international artist, sharing his passion and vision across the globe. His calligraffiti art continues to touch the soul, offering moments of meditation and reflection while building connections between diverse communities. His journey reminds us that art transcends borders and has the power to unite us all. In a world often divided, Facies' calligraffiti is a testament to the enduring power of art to bring people together, one graceful curve at a time.

A sneak peak into Facies Upcoming projects

In the near future, Facies has exciting plans that promise to captivate art enthusiasts. This autumn, he'll be teaming up with the OTM collective to create a striking mural at Plaza Saint-Hubert. As winter sets in, Facies will retreat to his studio, diligently preparing for an upcoming spring exhibition that will seamlessly blend mythology with urban culture. He's set to embark on several creative ventures in collaboration with Habibi Plz. Stay tuned for an artistic journey that is set to be nothing short of extraordinary!