Mal is a British artist, living and working in the UK. He is a multifaceted artist whose work includes painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and photography, with a focus on exploring the human form and spirit. Mal’s artistic journey has been shaped by a blend of cultural influences and deep commitment to his craft.
Mal began his formal education at St Paul’s School, where his interest in art began. He then went to Wimbledon College of Art and in 1992 took his degree in Fine Art. His artistic development also matured at the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture.
Mal’s early encounters with influential figures in the art world helped shape his approach to creativity. At the age of 20, he met Francesco Clemente. He spent time at Clemente’s New York studio and home. At this early stage in his development, Clemente’s acceptance of Mal as a serious artist gave him much encouragement and has impacted him to this day.
Mal also received significant guidance from Stanislav Frenkiel RWA, a figurative expressionist painter, a graphic artist, and head of the art department at the University of London, Institute of Education. Mal especially enjoyed spending time at his home and studio.
Frenkiel was a family friend and taught both Mal and his mother, Bushra Fakhoury, a renowned British sculptor. She was also a friend of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi and Dame Elizabeth Frink, both of whom responded very positively to Mal’s work and gave him the confidence to pursue his artistic journey.
In 1994, Mal met Adi Da Samraj, who had a profound and lasting influence on both his philosophy and creative practice. Mal was deeply inspired not only by the depth of his artistic expression but also by his unwavering dedication and disciplined approach to his work.
In 2023, Mal trained with Mike Stone at his home in the Philippines. In Mike Stone, Mal found someone who fully lived by his convictions. Mal and Mike found common ground in their artistic approaches, both recognising a strong connection between fine art and martial arts.
Known for his figurative art, Mal’s work reflects a profound understanding of the human form and an intuitive approach to capturing emotional depth. He is equally adept at creating intimate, realistic portraits and more liberated, colourful print work, each showcasing his unique mastery of material and his ability to connect deeply with his subjects.
Though a private individual, Mal’s art speaks volumes. His exhibitions in the UK and US, including a notable show in Miami with Romero Britto and Sabina Forbes II, have secured his place in private collections and the broader art world.
Francesco Clemente and Mal Fostock - New York
Artist statement
“To discover and be in touch with something fundamental gives meaning to my life. I am always evaluating what is most important to me. To learn and to grow as a person excites me.
The art is an embrace of life. It flows into many disciplines: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and print making, using traditional methods and also the technology of our time.
People are a never-ending source of inspiration to me. Nothing is more fascinating to me or more challenging than to create a portrait.
While working in the quiet of the studio, I enjoy the focused time feeling into the characteristics and qualities of whoever I’m painting. This leads to participating more fully into the utter Mystery of whoever anyone is and in which all these forms are unified.
Also, with street photography, I often find that there is a potential photograph to be made from everyone I pass by. Everyone is fascinating!!”
Mal, April 20, 2025
