Marc is one brilliant artist who effortlessly navigates through creating a balance between his passion as a creative and his relationship with the people dear to him. Marc’s works reflect deep thought patterns that correct faulty orientations and harness the African heritage.
Join us on this special issue –
As Marc shares a truckload of his journey as a creative and everything in between.

Your style of creativity is rare and unique. Your works are stunning, each telling a powerful story. Can you please share a glimpse of how you began your creative journey?

It was born out of a passion for art nourished since I was very young. Even as a child I knew how to draw without going to art school and in my teens I discovered my love for photography without really practicing. To get to the practice of photography the click came to me at the opening of the photographer Ly Lagzelle.

Can you remember the first creative piece you made and what inspired it?

Yes I will always remember that. It was a picture of my little cousins playing with friends. I had just seen my first opening a few weeks in the screen and wanted so much to recreate the emotion I had felt when I saw one of Ly Lagazelle’s works. And I think my goal had been achieved.

What does Art mean to you?

For me, ART is freedom. It is a way to feel myself, to assume my identity as a person and as an African. Also art remains the most daring communication tool I have in my possession to make my voice heard.

We are grateful to have you onboard this most timely ISSUE with the theme- Boundless. Have you ever held back your gifts at some point, perhaps through self doubt or stage fright? Have you ever felt it ‘boxed’ by someone else or an experience? If so, how were you able to scale through this phase?

Doubting of abilities is a real fact and as far as I am concerned whenever I had to face existential questions about my person I found the solution by my art and with time. I think the secret to overcoming this is to know why you do it and never give up on what you believe.

The titles of your works reflect brilliance and beauty in depths. Somewhat poetic. Do you also see yourself as a poet? What inspires how you name your works?

Poetry is also an art, but I am far from being a poet. All I do is find texts that accompany my images. Often I write them myself and I share my ideas with friends writers and they give me beautiful texts. As for the titles of my works I would say that is the basis of my creative process. I have an idea, then I name it, I create the concept and I realize it.

How was growing up like?

I think growing up is less stupid sleep, every day in a man’s life is an apprenticeship. I grew up in a conservative family of the good seas and the rules of society. I always wanted to do what I wanted, what I liked and that my worth enough trouble with my family

Do you feel creatives in developed countries are at advantage than those in developing countries?

Yes, I think that creative artists and artists from developed countries have more advantages than those from developing countries. In the sense that the artistic environment is more structured, and many people are interested and aware of the cultural heritage that art represents. But I think that African countries need more visibility at the cultural level because its cultural heritage is very rich and diverse and there are talents that are born in abundance.

Please share some highlights behind the inspiration of your work titled- Lost Identity.

Lost identity is a call to order, an awakener of consciences, the idea that I convey through this series of photos is that as young Africans it is up to us to be able to perpetuate our cultural values (stories, traditions, dances, songs etc.). To know where we come from, to get where we’re going. In other words knowing our history, our origins in its darkest depths to better orient ourselves in today’s modern world. Accepting who we are because Africa is our identity.

Balancing work time and rest time is a struggle for many Creatives. Please share a few tips on how you try to balance work time, rest time and family time?

Art is a passion, being a designer is a passion, being a software engineer is a passion, I do it when I feel it, I’m not constrained in any way so it’s easier to be able to enjoy my family, my friends. The family supports my friends too and they make my projects go away and I think things are well balanced.

What does success mean to you?

Success can be defined well, and for me the key is to achieve all the goals we have set for ourselves in the long or short term. To be fulfilled in all areas of life.

Please briefly tell us something we do not know about Marc Desire Zahui

Marc Zahui is a very human, introverted and lonely person.

Let’s go a little poetic: If poetry is a rainbow and you have a choice of one color in that pallette, what would that be and why?

I would choose orange because orange is the color of creativity and I love being creative.

Massive Love Marc!

The ICON Team