Photos by Eloi Scarva
JunkHouse
My artistic journey can be divided into two main periods. Initially, my work centered around the concept of organicism. I reinterpreted inanimate urban elements into new life forms through imagination.
Currently, my artistic style has evolved to focus on the changing aspects of the city itself. The science fiction novels I read in my youth greatly influence my perspective and visual interpretation of urban spaces. This sci-fi imagination has become a crucial inspiration for my current work, where I observe the inorganic lines created by urban forms and architecture, developing them into geometric works.
My working method embraces various mediums without limitation. I typically develop ideas through intuitive and spontaneous doodling, which accumulates into an archive. When creating actual artwork from this archive, I take a very planned and systematic approach. This manifests in various forms including street art, installations, paintings, objects, and public art, each piece creating new visual experiences while harmonizing with urban spaces.
This evolution in my artwork represents a natural progression, a continuous journey of exploring and reinterpreting the various aspects of urban space.
I began my street art work in 2005. At that time, street art was still an unfamiliar concept in Korea, and freedom of expression was somewhat limited. However, I saw the street as a new arena for art and sought ways to communicate with urban spaces.
This value of street art is clearly visible in urban landscapes. Unlike the pristine, artificial nature of new cities, older urban areas where graffiti, street art, and various posters coexist might appear somewhat chaotic. However, this ‘imperfection’ actually brings vitality to the city, offering people both familiarity and freedom.
As a street artist, it’s both an honor and a joy to have the opportunity to work in a new city. When caught up in daily routines, it’s not easy to find opportunities for exploration and seeking new inspiration. In this regard, !OUTLOUD 2024 is a particularly precious opportunity. For an artist, stepping out of the studio to experience a new city and find inspiration there is an essential part of the creative process, so I’m always grateful for such opportunities.
Street art plays a role in breathing artistic freedom into a city so I hope my work in Macau will add new vitality to the city and provide an opportunity for local residents to naturally experience art in their daily lives. If citizens can develop their cultural and artistic sensibilities unconsciously while directly or indirectly experiencing various artists’ works, that would be the greatest value that street art can contribute to the city.
Christian Storm
I’m a self-taught Danish graffiti artist based in Copenhagen, and I’ve been creating art since 1992. My early work was deeply influenced by classic graffiti – bold, colorful lettering and stylized imagery. Over time, my style evolved as I became more fascinated with architectural movements like Brutalism and Minimalism. These influences have led me to create a unique fusion that blends urban art with architectural elements, making my work stand out beyond traditional graffiti.
I started out like many others, influenced by the underground graffiti scene, and over time, I moved toward developing my own style. It was a natural progression – experimenting with different mediums and methods until I found what truly resonated with me. Being self-taught has allowed me to stay true to my own vision and approach.
Street art holds immense value for a city. It’s a space where creativity can thrive without the restrictions often placed on traditional forms of art. It provides an outlet for artistic expression in public spaces, helping to make a city feel alive and dynamic. However, it’s crucial that these spaces remain free and legal, without being stifled by political agendas or commercial interests. If street art becomes too polished or controlled, it loses its rawness and the ability to challenge and inspire. The true value lies in its freedom.
I’m always grateful for the opportunity to be involved in art festivals like !OUTLOUD. It’s especially important in a place like Macau, where the intersection of cultures and histories offers a rich backdrop for creative expression. Being part of such events allows me to connect with the local community and contribute to the ongoing evolution of street art in the region.
I hope my work in Macau helps to keep the city vibrant and encourages the local community to embrace the creative potential around them. Street art has the power to give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard and to challenge the status quo. I want my art to be a reminder that cities should be places of inspiration, not restriction. In many parts of the world, art is being limited by politics, commercialization, and gentrification. I hope my contribution in Macau will add to the conversation about the importance of maintaining open, creative spaces in urban environments.
Eri2win
I paint because I want people to feel the importance of the invisible world, which I cannot explain well. I need to draw on the street because I want lots of people to see my work.
I started working as an artist in 2020. The trigger was my first solo exhibition in the summer of that year. In the autumn of the same year I participated in Japan Walls and painted a mural. I think that the street art we see unexpectedly in our daily lives and travels can warm our hearts a little at that time. It is a great pleasure to be able to participate here at !OUTLOUD with so many respected artists, and I hope that the art will be able to touch the hearts of people in any circumstances. I hope that from there, hearts will be enriched and a lot of love will be born.
Seiji Matsumoto
The image of the place I draw is important to me. I often draw on the themes of ‘Fun’ and ‘Everyone is different’ based on my own experiences. I mainly draw animals as motifs in a simpler, bolder and easier-to-understand way. I studied art at university, and I started my art activities in earnest when I was living in New York, where I was inspired by the many street art works I saw in the city at that time. Street art does not appear in museums or galleries, but in the places where we live, so I think it is one of the most accessible forms of art in our daily lives. Many people, regardless of whether they are interested in art or not, can see the works, and I believe that art has a role to play in adding colour to everyday life. I hope that my art will inspire people to feel stimulation, explore new discoveries and find healing in their daily lives.
Artime Joe
My style is to work with graffiti-specific lettering, energetic characters, and rhythmic colors. My inspiration is filled with the works of everyone who has drawn cartoons and games, fashion and hip-hop culture, and numerous graffiti since childhood. I first saw graffiti in an American music video in the 90s, and I found it to be a style of painting made with my favorite hip hop culture. Loving drawing, I naturally wanted to live a life as a street artist, so I started doing graffiti in 2001. People in the city live very busy lives. They are always moving somewhere, meeting someone, building a business, and competing. Art gives tired people the feeling of taking a break, and it also gives them joy and satisfaction. I think the role of filling the void with rich emotions is the value of street art in the city. Macau is the first city I have ever been to so I am very excited to see how the footsteps of Portugal and Europe in the past have been beautifully integrated with the culture of the East. I hope my paintings will give people on the streets a chance to relax and enjoy viewing them.
