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Colors Tell a Story – An Interview with Art by Zacharia
A unique artwork now adorns the wall of A.S. Helsingö’s new Helsinki showroom. We invited artist Art by Zacharia to create a large, hand-painted mural directly on the wall using Milieu Paint shades. Sakke’s work is more than just a painting — it brings life and atmosphere to the space, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. We spoke with him about his inspiration, creative process, and what it was like to take on a commissioned piece.
Who is Art by Zacharia?
I’m Zakaria, friends call me Sakke, a self-taught artist from Punavuori. I love bold and distinctive art, the kind that catches the eye and stays in your mind. Under the name Art by Zacharia, I’ve created a wide range of colorful and original works that reflect my desire to do things my own way and sometimes go beyond the expected.
How did you find your way into art?
My path to art was quite spontaneous. When I moved into a new home, I wanted something striking for the wall, but nothing ready-made felt right. So I decided to try painting something myself, and that first piece received surprisingly positive feedback. That moment sparked something in me; it grew into a passion and eventually became a career. My first exhibition was held in Helsinki, and later I organized several pop-up galleries.
Where do you draw inspiration from, and how would you describe your style?
Inspiration often comes from colors, sometimes from magazines, and often just from walking around the city and seeing art everywhere. Occasionally it’s born from a fleeting moment. My style is colorful and bold; I want my pieces to evoke emotions and make people reflect on what the artwork means to them personally.
How did you approach creating the mural for the showroom, and what was it like to work on such a large piece using Milieu Paint colors?
The showroom mural was a special experience for me. When I first saw the space, I immediately had a vision, and the chosen colors felt like a perfect fit. This was my first time painting a mural with wall paints, and I’ll admit I was nervous. But when it was finished, the feeling was incredible. I’m proud that I took on the challenge.
How does the finished piece look and feel now that it’s part of the showroom, and what do you hope it conveys to those who see it?
Now that it’s complete, the mural looks even better than I imagined. The colors and textures come together beautifully in the space. I hope everyone who sees it finds their own interpretation. For me, it brings to mind a peaceful valley.
What projects are you working on next?
My goal is to keep growing as an artist and to express myself more widely, both within the art world and beyond. Coming up next are new collaborations, photo shoots, and my own exhibition in the spring.
MILIEU paint shades used in the artwork
The shades featured in this mural are Ash Green, Sandstone Beige, Eliel Red, Cumulus Grey, and Natural White. Each tone was chosen to complement the architecture, interior, and views from the showroom windows. All Milieu Paint colors are showcased in the showroom, and we wanted to highlight a few special tones in an inspiring way that everyone can see and experience.
Several of Sakke’s other works are also on display in the showroom, creating a cohesive and inspiring dialogue between the art and the space.