A Peek into the Symbolic World of Hokett

Step into the vibrant home of Hokett, an artist who's redefining symbolism on canvas. As part of Cohart Selects, we had the privilege of exploring his unique artistic universe.

"I paint symbols onto canvases," Hokett explains. "Each thing is actually a symbol. When you look at Egyptian hieroglyphics and Japanese calligraphy, they're technically all symbols that create a language. That's what Hokett is."
He points to a recent piece, a striking canvas dominated by a skull. "This skull actually represents life after death. It's a symbol in the Hokett language." Leaning in closer, he reveals hidden depths to his work. "When you look even closer, you'll notice these are actually lungs, and this is a bridge."

Hokett's journey as an artist hasn't been linear. "I didn't get back into work until 20," he shares, hinting at a period of hiatus. But now, his creativity seems unstoppable.

One particularly intriguing piece catches our eye. "This is called 'Tigers Die Alone'," Hokett says. The title seems to resonate deeply with his creative process. "I'm in a space where I paint alone. You know, I go to a canvas and I attack it alone. So just like a tiger, you know, I'm on the prowl constantly. I'm in the jungle by myself."

Hokett's choice of materials is as unconventional as his symbols. He shows us a piece crafted on black Turkish leather. "I really like the grain. I like the way the paint sits on the leather," he explains, running his hand over the textured surface.

Another symbol grabs our attention. "This represents, you know, just freedom," Hokett says. "This painting is actually what birthed the symbol. This was painted with chains." The juxtaposition of chains creating a symbol of freedom is a powerful statement.

When asked about his influences, Hokett's answer is refreshingly broad. "I think I'm more influenced by design than an individual designer. Just like creativity. I like seeing people do things and try things and create things out of nothing that ain't never been seen before."

As our visit draws to a close, Hokett shares a glimpse into his artistic evolution. "I used to draw people like in school, but then once I got into my teenage years, I put that to the side." It seems that the decision paved the way for the unique symbolic language he now creates.

In Hokett's world, every brushstroke tells a story, and every symbol holds a universe of meaning. His art invites us to look closer, to find the hidden bridges and lungs within the skulls of our perceptions.

[Click here](https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Kf6HVpUgO/?hl=en) to view his Selects Feature

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Discover how artist Hokett blends inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphics and Japanese calligraphy to create a unique symbolic language in modern art.

Hokett's Symbolic Art: Blending Ancient Inspiration with Modern Expression

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