“I was here but now I’m gone
I left my name to carry on
Those who liked me
Liked me well
Those who didn’t can go to hell'”
-The bathroom wall”
― E.M. Crane, Skin Deep
Street art is something that hasn’t been seen often in India, but yes the form is finally taking a shape over here too. One World News got an opportunity to talk about street art with someone who has been practising it worldwideand making a mark on every wall,excerpts from an interview with Christian Guémy.
What is C215?
It’s just my nickname, just something abstract. I am usually known with this name as an artist, otherwise I am Christian Guémy.
What has been your inspiration?
People usually have a lot of options as inspirations but for me, my daughter has been my inspiration right from the moment she came into my world.
What is the message that you give through your art?
My art depicts freedom, generosity, dignity and hope. Usually, people claim that my work is about people who are poor, orphans, street kids and so on, but I have been doing other paintings too, like architecture and animals.
Why you have chosen the medium of Street art instead of canvas or any other form of art?
I have chosen this path to interact with reality and to change the city.
What all countries have you painted with your art?
I have been painting in a lot of countries; I am not someone good to lust or count things. Traveling is a flow not a list. So, it’s completely on the flow where I go.
What has been the best experience?
My best experience has been to paint for Banksy (United Kingdom based graffiti artist, whose art depicts political and social commentary, has been featured on streets, walls and bridges of cities throughout the world).
Any plans to come to India?
Well not planned. But I will love to come to India, as soon as possible, moreover, if I get an invitation.
Tell us something about yourself and your past working experience?
Well, I have changed my profession a lot of times. I have been a student, art historian, market researcher, export manager and then an artist. Maybe in future I will change again.
What importance does art carry in your life?
Art is something I can’t live without; it is exactly like the air I breathe.
Do you conduct exhibitions too? And conducting any classes for younger generation?
I don’t conduct classes not that much since I believe that freedom is not something you can teach to anyone.
How difficult was it for you to start up with this career/form of art?
Well, I never decided to become an artist, it just happened.
How do you make such pieces of art?
I paint with spray and stencils.
Do you have any message for our readers?
I would only say that donot imitate western consumerism.
How you De-stress yourself?
Apart from street-art, I love running. Running is a way for me to de-stress myself.
What have you learnt from your art and life?
Apart from various things arts has to offer, I have learnt to be happy.
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