Fixations is a series of conversations and profiles that offers artists a platform to muse upon their current preoccupations.  When Art Dubai imagined a recurring piece centered around artists’ fixations, we immediately thought of Amir H. Fallah’s new dog. Fallah’s interview below poses a comical scenario in which his affection for his dog dominates his studio practice.

Art Dubai: What inspired you to be an artist?

Amir H. Fallah: Puppies.

AD: Who are your greatest influences?

AHF: I’d have to go with Mr. Baxter. He’s the main inspiration behind all my work and my loyal studio sidekick. Every time his giant ears pop up I think of a new idea for a painting.

AD: Walk us through your artistic style.

AHF: Intuition plays a huge role in the work. It’s very similar to how Baxter chooses which bush to sniff. I start with a photo shoot and from there let nature take its course.

AD: Tell us about your process for creating work.

AHF: Most of my ideas come about while walking Baxter, staring into his eyes, or just making him do tricks. Usually I make him sit for a few pieces of treats and then bam! I have the next big idea for a work. From there it’s just smooth sailing.

AD: What is your work’s relationship to history?

AHF: I try to deny history but no matter how fast I run away from it it always catches up. References to graffiti art, persian miniature painting, Francis Bacon, and the renaissance all make their way into the work in unexpected ways. There’s too much art out there that simply refers to another piece of art so I just try my best to not make it feel forced and have the influences come into play naturally. Just kidding. The answer is Baxter.

Based in Los Angeles, Amir H. Fallah is an artist and founder of Beautiful/Decay magazine.  His practice — marked by its bold, ardent palette — ranges from handmade fort installations to mixed-media collages and large-scale paintings that maintain his affinity for collage. His latest body of work introduces his first foray into figural representation. Pieces from this collection are currently included in a group show at Frey Norris Contemporary & Modern, San Francisco and will be shown at Art Dubai with The Third Line, Dubai.