From the quiet neighborhoods of Upper Marlboro, Maryland to the electric energy of New York Fashion Week, multi-talented Taseen Abdulbarr’s journey as a Grandist (a True Original creator) is a tale of growth, agility, and the never-ending pursuit of originality. As the creator of the brand Linestrax, Abdulbarr prioritizes originality and is elevating the concept of what it means to be a visionary.
His creative process is nothing short of meticulous, spending anywhere between hours and days on pieces that are hand drawn, painted, and sewn. On occasion, he’ll tap top seamstresses to assist with intricate pieces—all contributing to making each piece a unique one of one creation.
Linestrax is a clever play on words “line” and “abstract,” and essentially embodies Abdulbarr’s stylistic approach when creating art. He holds the special ability to see an image in his head and bring it to life via pen and paper.
Not to mention this additional hidden message: Abdulbarr’s initials also live within the name, which nod to the deep connection he holds with his creations.
“A Grandist is a True Original creator of their own art style. A Grandist utilizes their mind to create something original and no reference of others; artwork to find inspiration or ideas to copy or steal.”
Abdulbarr doesn’t classify himself as a designer and is sure to make that clear—his multifaceted portfolio includes interior design and exclusive projects for luxury cars, yachts, and even private jets. Regardless of what project he’s currently focused on, his goal is to create an experience that is unique in its aesthetic, while maintaining a luxurious feel that is impossible to mistake when encountered. And it’s safe to say it’s working.
“Deconstructing the notion of what art is deemed to be.”
Photo by Terry Mayo
But how did he get here? Before diving into his creative career, Abdulbarr was on a completely different track, one that included him playing college football with the goal of being drafted in the NFL. In an unexpected turn of events, he ended taking a year off football. Redirecting his focus, he turned his attention to creating small art pieces that he painted in his apartment. No one was more shocked at the passion that grew from this than Abdulbarr. Creating art between classes, he homed in on his ability to bring the images he sees in his head to life.
In 2016, Abdulbarr made the pivotal decision to leave school to fully pursue his newfound passions. His 2017 debut at New York Fashion Week was an experience that would prove to be life-changing, having garnered attention from celebrities and artists like Meek Mill, Rick Ross and more. He’s also shown at Harlem Fashion Week and DC Fashion Week, garnering supporters and fans alike.
Photo by Terry Mayo
Since then, Abdulbarr has ascended to new levels, expanding into product licensing and working with prestigious brands to showcase his designs on exclusive products. These collaborations have greatly enhanced his artistry while working toward his goal to become a multifaceted household name.
What’s he working on now? Abdulbarr is always up to something—right now he’s working on some bespoke pieces for an international brand that we can’t spill quite yet. In the meantime, he continues to work on special orders. He also released a new drop, Mountain Water—a crew neck with a GRANDIST card, a hand-painted art piece on a metal plate that can be worn with or detached from the shirt.
As he continues to push the boundaries at the intersection of art, tech, and fashion, Abdulbarr is a rising star to keep your eye on. To learn more and to follow Abdulbarr’s journey, check out his website, and follow him on social media.
Photo by Terry Mayo