Sandra Song

[Hokett](https://www.cohart.com/u/hokettgallery/artworks) creates powerful art that speaks through the symbols he paints upon his black, hand-crafted leather canvases. Before he even adds a smudge of paint, a Hokett piece is a statement that pushes back against the emptiness of a traditional white cotton canvas. 

Because between its appearance, resilience, and the manual labor that goes into crafting a leather hide, it’s already part of the underlying visual metaphor that defines the Cohart [Featured Artist](https://www.cohart.com/discover/featured-artist/4732)’s work.

Reflective of the [deep collective trauma](https://theblackmancan.com/timothy-hokett-a-canvas-of-resilience-and-revolution/) experienced by the generations of African Americans descended from slaves, Hokett’s work tends to contain [chains](https://www.cohart.com/artworks/9543) and several other recurring symbols from Hokett’s body of work, including a stylized eagle, big cat motifs, and simple white lines. Most importantly though are his signature bear-like PAWS characters, who serve as a reminder that “no matter what differences we try to create amongst ourselves, we are all the same,” [he says](https://www.cohart.com/artworks/14691).
 
So on the heels of Cohart’s [Art Star Weekend](https://www.cohart.com/news/art-star-dallas-drop-launch) event in Dallas, Hokett — who wowed the crowd with a full installation of his work — is spreading this positive message by placing several of his PAWS paintings up for sale through our ongoing [Art Stars Drop](https://www.cohart.com/drops/art-star-dallas-drop). An upbeat yet poignant series with a message that will resonate with others for years to come, check out what Hokett has to offer through our latest [Cohart Drop](https://www.cohart.com/drops/art-star-dallas-drop) while learning more about his practice below.

##### How would you describe your style? Are there any particular themes and/or motifs you gravitate towards in your work?

My Art style is very similar to my fashion taste. I paint on a black leather canvas and then add colors to that. Using the black color as almost a positive negative. Using black as my main color helps me feel like the entire space is already painted rather than just one huge empty one. Once the black leather is ready I like to paint a picture that is simple, bold, and powerful. This allows me to get my point across quickly and easily so when I paint my PAWS characters they jump out like bold street art but feel interesting enough to bring into a fine art conversation. 

##### What do you love about the Dallas art scene? How does it compare to other art spaces you’ve been in? 

The Dallas Art scene is one of the biggest Art districts in the country. So many galleries are in such a small area that you can spend one full week visiting different galleries every day. I enjoy the design of the city and how they've decided to bring Art to one main centralized area. 

##### What was your favorite part about [Art Star Weekend](https://www.cohart.com/news/art-star-dallas-drop-launch)? Was the experience of participating in this “online” community in-person part of the excitement? 

Art Star Weekend was developed to give people an experience. Art is such a visual attraction that in order to create the most impact we have to give people memories to revisit every time they see a photo, a painting, or even a T-shirt that they wore that night. My favorite part of Art Star Weekend was the live painting done by Abi Salami, where people just got to relax and watch an Artist create in real time. 


“I just like creativity.” -Hokett lets Cohart into his home studio for #CohartSelects ⛓️ #shorts

##### Do you think it’s important for online platforms like Cohart to have a real-world presence? Why?

I think it's vital for online platforms to create in person experiences so users always have something they can cling to. The internet has made everything so much simpler than brands have gotten lazy with only focusing on social media marketing. Events are the moments that create consistent and organic online and offline presence that people never forget. 

##### What do you think the art world will look like 5 to 10 years from now? Or do you think we shouldn’t even be measuring this in smaller increments of time given the pace of the internet?

In 5-10 years I think we're going to see a huge increase in Artists being utilized in ways we've never seen. Just in the last few years we've seen Artists painting cars. I believe Artists are the key to reshaping the future. I see Artists being utilized in educational learning courses, tech development, and even how we design our cities. Visual Art brings joy, peace, and to me is the only industry that brings everyone together in one place. 

##### Cohart and initiatives like the Digital Art Star drop are about democratizing access to art. Do you think people’s perceptions of art collecting have been changing with the help of communities like Cohart? 

I still believe there's work to do. Art is still looked at as a thing for the rich but the truth is, anyone can become an Art collector. The new generation of collectors is open to change in how they buy and see Art but it is also our job to help them see the value in Artists. 

##### Has the connection-first approach of Cohart impacted your practice at all?

I would not say it has impacted my practice, but I will say it aligns with my views. When I saw Cohart do an 8-day gallery in Austin for Cohart artists I said to myself, "This platform gets it.” Cohart was the first online platform that I saw invest in Artists and in-person Art experience bringing collectors from behind the computer into a gallery in real time. If Cohart continues to push that narrative I believe they will take over the online marketplace.

##### What’s your advice for people who’re interested in art, but may be intimidated by the idea of the “art world”?

Find an Artist you like and check out their work in person, support them, go to their shows, etc. It's so many ways to become a part of the Art world and you don't have to take it all at once. Find an Artist you like and support them, ask them questions, and most importantly invest in their ability to continue to create their work. 

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Hokett shares about his art style, the PAWS characters, and the messaging behind several other recurring symbols in his body of work

Dallas Art Star: Hokett's Powerful Symbol-Driven Arts

Hokett (right) in front of "The Bear Up There"

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