Interview
E. The Artist
E. The Artist was born in Brooklyn NY, raised by a single mother that raised four boys on her own. It was the 80's, time of Hip Hop, graffiti found its way on NYC Transit, and break dancing was finding its way around the world. At the age of 7 years old he was selling graffiti art pieces to his fellow classmates. The hustle at a young age was what NYC was about. It was a dangerous time as well (the Crack era) surviving the streets was a must and art helped E. not get caught up in that scene. Throughout his years to come he finally took art seriously in 2015 where he returned to the art world for Miami Art Basel. Since then he participated in several different exhibitions as well as a few solo shows of his own. Now, he is being featured in the Universal Hip Hop Museum which is his way of saying "mom I made it." To come from that era and now having his artwork featured in this museum is amazing.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My journey started in 1984, the graffiti era. I had an older brother who went out bombing the NYC Transit trains. Afterwards, when he returned from a bombing trip I would mimic some of his work. Then I'll sell these drawings to my fellow classmates. I got in trouble for this. But that's the beginning of my art journey.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Art is knowledge, so when I create any artwork I try to implicate the meaning of every masterpiece. I created a few pieces that were very controversial some were political and a few were topics of today's issues. But I say art is always controversial, you can't please everybody.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Definitely improvisation, everyday whether I'm driving or walking around. I see nothing but ideas that I'm putting together in my head. It's like that perfect rhyme over a dope beat.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Minimalism and Monochrome. This art trend is likely to continue as people seek a sense of calm and simplicity in a busy and cluttered world. Also digital creations have been dominating lately. Technology has proven itself that the old ways of doing things are just that old. As the world advances the newer generation will have better sources of doing things. Especially in the art world.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I used every and anything that can come together to make a memorable work of art. Whether it's acrylic, water-based, oil, sketching, digital and etc. There isn't a technique I'm not willing to try at least once.”
“Minimalism and Monochrome. This art trend is likely to continue as people seek a sense of calm and simplicity in a busy and cluttered world.”
What does your art mean to you?
“A legacy that will endure for many years to come. As the greats we speak of today, Dali, Picasso, Basquiat, Frida, and Warhol, just to name a few of my favorites. When I create, I aim to keep creating monumental pieces, as every artist wants, is a masterpiece that will be spoken about for years to come.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“One of my favorites is Salvador Dalí Lincoln in Dalivision, the photomosaic technique used is phenomenal. To see an image one way while having to walk 20 meters away and see it the image clearly. It blows my mind every time. It was Mr. Salvador that has me creating illusion in all my art works.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“It wasn't an exhibit; it was a national TV show and my art was right there on TV. My boys were screaming "Daddy that's your art piece on TV!" After that the Universal Hip Hop Museum got in touch with me and asked me to be part of their Museum. 2024 several art pieces will be in the UHHM. Also, I started a clothing brand called Collectors Only LLC. Which was created with my art on custom knits and t-shirts. It's a brand made for true Collectors.”
Website: www.collectorsonlyllc.com
Instagram: @collectorsonlyllc
