Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd

Malik Thomas (b. 1995, Kent, UK) is a British visual artist of Iraqi descent, currently based between Amman, Jordan, and London. As both a painter and textile printmaker, his work bridges fine art and textile design, deeply informed by his multicultural heritage and experiences in the Arab world.

Thomas' art primarily explores the male figure, often depicting moist-eyed, intimate encounters that evoke strong emotional responses. Continuing the tradition of painting as a form of veneration, he blends personal memory, fantasy, and emotional depth to create profound connections with viewers.

By blurring the lines between the literal and abstract, Thomas’s gestural representations draw on motifs inspired by calligraphy and woven textiles. His compositions, often painted on hand-dyed silk, cotton, and wool, are richly textured and visually engaging, reflecting the delicate nature of memory and desire. Through traditional symbols and textiles, he crafts allegorical commentary on the introspective layers of human experience.

Thomas’s work invites empathy and introspection, weaving a narrative that balances the personal with the universal. His distinctive approach engages with memory and identity, fostering a sense of emotional resonance and contemplation through the language of painting.