Breathing in Art – Ikran Abdille

Breathing In Art is a new series by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art to support and promote mask wearing whilst celebrating and featuring selected artists. Whilst we’re amid a global pandemic and wearing masks to protect ourselves and others is part of everyday life, we’re inviting artists to design a range of masks that will be available to the public.

The next in this series is It’s A Lot, from Ikran Abdille, an artist currently working and living in Birmingham. Ikran’s work explores ideas around language, GIFs, overlaying textures and thoughts. Ikran’s film Triple Harvest is currently available in our online exhibition of the same name.

I genuinely feel like it’s a lot right now. I miss hugging friends, the warm embrace. I miss going to romantic dinners and planning date nights outside. I miss just being able to make plans outside of home. It feels like it was such a privilege.

In my mask design there’s an image I found on Tumblr with the caption “she’s crying but she’s still eating” and I feel as though that captures something that we are all doing during this pandemic. We are all “crying but eating” – or watching or running – to keep ourselves sane and going. I have found such a powerful love for breathing and being outside to feel free, but I want to do it alive and safe by wearing a mask. I hope this mask keeps you and someone else safe and you can cry and eat in your own way. Do whatever brings you joy. 

Ikran Abdille

To order this mask design for just £20 including P&P click on the product image below to order from our online store.


We are working with a sustainable supplier who make everything in the UK through ethical employment practices, with eco-friendly inks, FSC certified materials and water-free manufacturing. The masks are made to order, and any fabric waste is given free to creatives to repurpose instead of sending to landfill.

Look out for more Breathing in Art designs in the coming weeks.