#MeetAndGraff : Nzie

#MeetAndGraff is a short interview series where we meet graffiti artists working on Leake Street and learn more about their style. This month we caught up with Nzie who was working on Leake Street as part of the #Do1Cancer Paint Jam (which went on to raise over £1000 for MacMillan Cancer).

Name Lenz

Graffiti Name NZIE

Website

www.nzie.co.uk

Social Media Handles

Click here to follow on Instagram Click here to follow on Facebook

What age did you get into graffiti? I started tagging, dubbing and running around the trains and tracks in the late 90’s.

Who is your favourite street artist? There’s so many amazing graffiti writers and street artists out there and all for different reasons but, for me, Hombre SUK has the purest style, colour schemes, freshness and other elements about his work I admire.

How would you describe your style? I’m pretty versatile and adaptable due to clients needs and my personal interests. My styles range from letter structures and sceneries to pin ups, cartoons, comics and a graphic realism but, it’ll always clean, bold and colourful. Im currently working movement and motion into my murals after taking an interest in animation.

What do you want people to feel when they look at your work? I used to wonder what others thought but, ultimately it’s whatever they want and street art has no paragraphs or explanations to guide viewers. If I paint a themed wall with comedy elements I’d like for people to laugh and reminisce. If it’s one of my more graphic and detailed productions I’d like them to observe, noticing elements and techniques put in. Ultimately I’d like people to be happy, confused, or both, after passing my paintings.

What do you think about London’s graffiti scene? There’s a great selection of spots and quality works by many artists to see and experience. Regardless of the super quick the turnover of walls, it is what keeps the scene fresh here although seeing one particular wall get painted individually by 3 seperate artists throughout a single day was something else. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some of the countries biggest and crazy murals here in London with some truely amazing and kind artists.

What do you think about legal walls such as Leake Street Tunnel? I am no longer involved in illegal works so legal walls are my home. There are legal walls scattered all around London which gives space to creatives to evolve and push themselves. Leake Street is a great place to showcase your work to a wider audience which may change attitudes caused by the government’s consistent negative propaganda. Visitors to Leake Street may end up appreciating and liking graffiti and street art more and possibly even taking part in the culture. It also seems to be a great place for selfie lovers too 😉