Station 16

Toronto native Waxhead moved to Montreal in 2012, where his singular style has surfaced on a range of surfaces from vintage photographs to huge walls. I discovered his distinct aesthetic this past summer while visiting Station 16 and exploring the streets of Montreal. Waxhead‘s first solo exhibit in Montreal, Waxhead: An Installation opens this Thursday, November 3 at Station 16.  While in Montreal, I had the opportunity to visit Waxhead‘s studio and pose some questions to him.

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When and where did you first get up?

I was 13 when I began tagging along the trackside in Toronto. It was back in 2006.

Who or what inspired you at the time?

I lived right beside the train tracks. I saw graffiti every day. It seemed like the natural thing to do. I didn’t become serious, though, about it until I was 18. That’s when I really got into characters.

How did your family feel about what you were doing back then?

My mom has always been supportive. ‘gotta love Mom!

Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide? 

I respect the mentality of getting up. But I also appreciate the refined work of street art. I’ve done both.

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How do you feel about collaborating with other artists?

I love to collaborate. Among the artists I’ve painted with are: Cry0teSbuone and Getso.

What about the movement of street art into galleries?

It’s great when artists can live off their work and have a space to show it.  But they must keep the true sense of it.

Have you, yourself, exhibited your art in a gallery setting?

I’ve exhibited in several group shows — mostly in Canada.

What inspires you these days?

Colors, nature, old photos. I love collecting old photos and reworking them.

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Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

I‘ve been inspired by the time I spent in India – particularly the beautiful colors I associate with its culture.

Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you just let it flow?

I let it flow. If I don’t like it, I can always do it again.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

No! I’m very critical.

What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?

It’s a great tool for me to connect with other artists and with clients.

Do you have a formal arts education?

No! I’m self-taught. My friends were my best teachers.

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What percentage of your time is devoted to art? 

All of it. I live my life through my art. I’ve always been drawing.

And is it the main source of your income?

Yes, most of the money I earn is through my artwork.

What is the riskiest thing you’ve done?

I was painting in India – balancing on a wobbly two-story ladder  — when a giant bull was about to rub against it.

That certainly does sound menacing! How would you describe your ideal working environment?

Painting outside with friends. I love meeting and talking to people.

How has your work evolved through the years?

It’s become more refined.

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What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

As far as the street artist — it is to connect people to one another through what they see on the streets. I especially want to connect to the youth in this city.

What about the photographers in this scene? And the bloggers? How do you feel about them?

We need them! What we do needs to be archived.

I certainly agree with that!

Note: Waxhead: An Installation — a collection of  Waxhead’s hand-embellished vintage photos — opens this Thursday, November 3 at 6pm at Station 16 and continues through November 14.

Interview by Lois Stavsky

Photos: 1, 2 & 4 Lois Stavsky; 3 courtesy Station 16

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:Joe-Iurato-art-station16

Featuring stencil art by some of our favorite artists, STENCILED opens this Thursday evening, April 28, at Montreal’s Station 16 Gallery. Here is a small sampling of what will be on exhibit through May 21:

Also by Joe Iurato

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Logan Hicks

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Lady Aiko

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Icy and Sot

Icy-and- So-Desolate-stencil

Also featured in STENCILED is UK-based Snik

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 All photos courtesy Station 16

Note: Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

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"Dee Dee"

Opening this evening at 2 Rivington Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and continuing through Sunday is The Day Is My Enemy, street artist Dee Dee‘s first solo exhibit. Presented by Montreal-based Station 16, it features an intriguing array of distinctly curious collaged works. When I stopped by last night, I had the opportunity to speak to Adam Vieira and Emily Robertson of Station 16.

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Just who is Dee Dee?

She is quite mysterious! But word is that the secretive artist is based in New York City and that she is Japanese.

Interesting! How did you discover her?

We first heard about her from Dain, whose work we’d exhibited at Station 16.

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Yes! They share a similar aesthetic! What is it about Dee Dee‘s work that appeals to you?

We love that she creates her art from scraps of posters and assorted papers that she finds on the streets. And we like that she consistently gets up in a variety of spots. We are thrilled to be back in NYC to present her work in this space.

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Can you tell us something about the concept behind The Day Is My Enemy?

Yes! It is Halloween-based, as it highlights themes of deception and destruction. The works on exhibit explore the contradictions and discrepancies between our private and public selves.

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What can visitors to the opening reception expect — in addition to viewing first-hand all of this intriguing art?

There will be themed hostesses, lighting to complement the mood, a soundscape designed by Dee Dee and more!

It sounds great! Good luck!

Note: The Day Is My Enemy opens this evening from 6-9pm at 2 Rivington Street off the Bowery.

Interview and photos 1-4 by Lois Stavsky

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stikki-peaches-hot-mess

For the past few days, we New Yorkers have been treated to a Hot Mess, the wildly expressive aesthetic of Montreal-based Stikki Peaches. Brought to us by Station 16, a Hot Mess, Stikki Peaches‘s first international exhibit, found a transitory home here at 345 Broome Street. Here are a few more images:  

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One of many skulls

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And a somewhat wider view of the transformed Broome Street space

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For some insight into it all, you can check out Yoav Litvin‘s interview with Stikki Peaches here.

Photos of artworks by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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