OakOak intervenes on ISSA

An unexpected interview with (possibly) the best street interventionist of urban details. French street artist OakOak is widely known for his smart and comic creations based on existing elements that cities provide. His evident kind nature and wild imagination are his distinctive assets. The rest is just out there. We are excited to present a short interview with him, in which he talks about his inspirations, his interests and much more. We hope you enjoy this as much as we have!

(ISSA) -What you choose to drink? Coffee, Tea, Beer, Soda or something else?

(OakOak) – hum, i’m ok for a beer now.

-Introduce yourself to us!
Oakoak, i come from Saint Etienne in France, i am a man. i never give some news about me. The most important is my work, not me.

– Where does your tag name come from?
Sorry, it’s too personnal

-How do you define yourself? Artist? Street artist? Anything else?
Street artist, because without the street i’m nothing. My art can be made only in the street.

– How did it all start for you, and what is it nowadays?
One day i was walking in the street and i found a fire hydrant. And i thought that just puting 2 eyes in paper, i was really more cool and more “human”. After that i continued to try to find new urban elements.

-What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I put the radio and i give some food to my cat.

-Street art is mostly a visually stimulating form of art. To add one more sense to it, what music would you pick to accompany your art work?

Music is really important for me, i can’t paint without music. my favorites are: RATM, Beastie Boys, Nirvana. and also Billy Holiday!

-In all forms of art, inspiration is crucial. What inspires you?
Some cartoons as The simpson’s or futurama, or also Calvin and Hobbes are a very important inspiration for my humour.

-Before going to paint, what is on your check list to take along?
My favorite hoodie sweatshirt, and my bag with all my paint. and that’s ok.

-Do you have an artist you admire and why is it?
i really like artists who play with the environment in the street as Varini, Fra Biancoshock, Pao, Pejac

-Which cities do you think are the most inspirational in Street Art?

For me the best cities for my art are the industrial cities, the urbanism is perfect and really interesting. the atmosphere is really good and it’s easier to find place or urban element to paint.
And i have a preference for cities with port.

-Do you have other passions apart from art?

I like to travel, and discover new places.

-What is your wildest project that you dream of achieving some day?

One day i would like to have the possibility to use a smokestack. i have some ideas with that element…

-Does your art include symbolisms, messages or repeated patterns?
Not really, i just like to play with the urban elements. But if it’s allow to show that everybody can paint in the street it’s cool.

-What is your reaction when you realise someone has vandalised your creation?
That’s the rules when you paint in the street.. if i didn’t accept it i would paint only on canvas.

-What do you think people first think or feel when they see one of your works on the street?

I think that they smile.

– If you were a president what would you change in this world?
i will ask Bill Waterson to continue producing Calvin & Hobbes!!

– What kind of responsibility do you feel you have towards society as an artist?
Personnaly i’m not sure that i have responsibility in this society as an artist. Art can also be only art. It’s just the pleasure to paint.

-Do you have any interesting creative plans for the future?
I hope to have some collaborations with street artists that i really appreciate..

It’s been great to get to know more about the mind and person behind such talented and inspiring works. Thank you !
‘’I Support Street Art’’ team.

Check out his gallery page on ISSA

Artist link , facebook, and his new Book.