On Taufeeq Muhammad

Taufeeq Muhammad, a local visual artist known for his colorful paintings of musical icons and dedication to community service, died Friday, Jan. 9, at 39. A celebration of Muhammad’s life and art will take place Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Arts Council’s Firehouse Gallery. Though the cause of Muhammad’s death is unclear, 225 spoke with local artist and friend Christopher Turner about Muhammad.

Born in Decatur, Illinois, Muhammad came to Baton Rouge from Dallas to attend Southern University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture. Turner met Muhammad at The Kress Gallery about four years ago.

“[Taufeeq] had an art career in Dallas before he came to college here in Baton Rouge,” Turner says. “He was very, very talented. He did cubism, abstraction, impressionism … he knew how to operate in all genres.”

Turner showed Muhammad the business side of art in the Capital City and also featured his work at The Kress Gallery, and the two instantly became friends. Muhammad was a quick learner, Turner says.

“He would shadow me, at first, and we painted together,” he says. “I would show him business structures, marketing plans and ways of how to get yourself known in the community at large. Taufeeq took the baton and ran. It was a treat to see him operate in that capacity.”

Turner says Muhammad was a diligent professional. From him, Turner learned to live in the moment.

“He taught me to cherish the moment,” Turner says. “I learned to always make time for people. If he was available, at any time, to help you, he would. He taught me to take pride in my skills and act as a professional all the time. Anybody who encountered Taufeeq probably got a hint of all those things.”