A pioneering force in the contemporary street art world this week’s LDNER recently had a sell out exhibition in the Saatchi Gallery with his Nightmare Series. He has also exhibited in China, Russia, Mongolia, Brazil, USA and all over Europe. Meet one of the key British street artists, Pure Evil.
Where in London do you live and what did you love about that area?
I lived in Hackney for 14 years , I loved the energy of it and all the crazy people . Towards the end though I felt like I was finishing a tour of duty . In a war movie just as the soldier is about to ship out back home he usually steps on a land mine . If a cop is about to retire he normally takes a bullet . I was wary of getting into an argument in the street with a pavement cyclist , or bumping into somebody walking zombie like down the street , transfixed by their iphone.. I was very cautious in my last week of london living .. But I’m still working in london every day so what the hell..
Tell us what you do for a living?
I am a professional vandal , I spray paint and scribble on things and try to make sense of our world through the medium of visual art and writing funny things in the streets of various Capitol cities of the world.
How does London inspire your work?
It’s the sand in my sandwich , the grit in my oyster , it’s the dirt in the city that makes me create . I need those annoying things to inspire me , I get too languid and chilled out in paradise.
Where is some of your favourite art?
Everywhere .. Because of street art the whole city is a gallery .. Even under a bridge or on a dustbin.
And finally, what would be your ‘perfect day’ in London?
Trampolining in the garden, taking our baby to meet Iggle Piggle, going to see the new art show by ROA at Stolenspace , going for a Turkish meal, 1 minute nappy change…the babies, not mine and then home by 9pm. Rock n roll !
Check out Pure Evil’s work, hit up his studio in Shoreditch