An artistic tribute to legendary Stan Lee

Tributes for the late Stan Lee have been pouring in from comic book fans across the world, including a talented Bahraini artist who has developed a successful business inspired by the legendary creator.

Stanley Martin Lieber, most commonly known as Stan Lee, died on November 12 from heart failure at the age of 95 – leaving behind a legacy that is second to none.He was a pioneer in the world of superhero comics and has been immortalised in the latest piece of work by Tariq Sharif, a 39-year-old Bahraini who founded Arkham Creative.

Mr Sharif’s work, which he also donates to raise money for various charities, is created through the layering of multi-coloured paper, hand cut with a surgical blade that produces spectacular shadows and textures likened to a photograph. “Stan Lee had a major impact on me growing up, ever since I could walk,” said Mr Sharif, who now lives in Abu Dhabi.

“I was always pretending to be Spider-Man and other heroes, watching cartoons, playing with the toys and I even had the Spidey onesie and refused to take it off.

“(In school) I was made fun of, bullied and shunned for being different, and reading Stan Lee’s stories of heroes overcoming their challenges helped me a lot, and so I tried to emulate what the stories taught me.”

Though there were many stories that Mr Sharif adored, it was Spider-Man’s adventures that particularly resonated with him because “he was a young man with real problems”.

One story that stuck with him was If This Be My Destiny from Amazing Spider-Man 31-33.

“The story goes into when Spidey is pinned down by heavy machinery in a room that is beginning to flood and he couldn’t lift or escape and he was feeling so helpless and time was running out,” explained Mr Sharif.

“As the story goes, he dug deep and found the strength to overcome the odds by remembering that giving up wasn’t an option. “This has been my motto in life. ”He said Stan Lee was so iconic for him and millions of other fans was because he believed that one person could make a difference. “A simple gesture or kind word to a friend or a stranger goes a long way,” he added. “Stan Lee wove those messages into his stories in creative and grand ways.

“Subconsciously when reading the stories you found the answers to challenges you might have faced and with that, he inspired millions, so yes, one person can make a difference.”

Having launched Arkham Creative in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, Mr Sharif’s works have reached many countries and caught the attention of dignitaries and celebrities. He has created an array of paper blade portraits inspired by Stan Lee including Spider-Man, Black Cat, Wolverine, Venom and one of the man himself. He has also created portraits of the royal families in Bahrain and the UAE as well as pieces that have raised money for charity.

“I have been able to meet so many amazing people that appreciate the art and continue to support myself and my passion,” he said. “I have supported many charities by auctioning off my art and have been able to support children’s charities and hospices in the GCC and the UK. “I want to continue to help where I can.

“I hope my journey continues to take me onwards and upwards.”

Mr Sharif is currently seeking additional charities to support by donating his artwork and for more information contact Mr Sharif directly at ArkhamCreative@gmail.com.