the street is our gallery

We recently hooked up with Artes Prada and got him to tell us about his dreams, the cities he would like to paint in and all of his futures goals. This Spanish born artist has been constantly learning and that shows in his works. Read on to find out more about him! 
(ISSA) -What you choose to drink? Coffee, Tea, Beer, Soda or something else?
(Artes Prada) – I´m not very sure. Its very difficult to choose from a cold beer in summer or a cup of coffee in winter.

-Introduce yourself to us!
I am a 27 year old boy from León, in Spain. I studied graphic design but my passion was always to paint and everything related to art. I am fortunate to dedicate myself to the world of painting and I love doing it.

-Where does your tag name come from?
Years ago when you chose a nickname with which to paint I think that you were looking at what at that moment most attracted attention. In my case it was for listening to the music of a Spanish rap singer. Then I began to paint with the pseudonym of Arts. Now I carry it enchanted wherever I go because it is a word that says a lot.

-How do you define yourself? Artist? Street artist? Anything else?
That question is very difficult to answer and I am reflected in words that says a good friend who is in this world of art. I do not know if I’m an artist, graffitero or thug as we are sometimes called. I just know that I paint, I’m passionate about painting and I do not think I ever stop doing it.

-How did it all start for you, and what is it nowadays?
Always in class I was with my notebook painting and every once in a while I noticed the biggest graffiti in my city. The first day I touched a spray, it was thanks to one of these guys. The brother of a good friend. And from the day they let me paint next to them I have not stopped doing it. The truth is that I am very grateful because they taught me many things and I still continue to teach them.
Today is my way of life. Fighting every day stronger and taking it my more seriously.

-What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Have breakfast or at least have coffee. Then one day you do one thing or you do another one, but breakfast is paramount.

-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?
I like all the music, of all styles of music you get some song that you like or inspire you. Lately I listen a lot Reggae but I listen to everything.

-In all forms of art, inspiration is crucial. What inspires you?
We all have inspiration, the important thing is not to keep it inside and express it. Good inspiration, because there are thieves with a lot of imagination. Hahaha
I have painted with people who teach me new things every day, from which you learn a lot and that helps you to express yourself. You see new methods of painting, of shaping things and unconsciously working your brain to do new and different things.

-What is the hardest part for you, while working on a piece of art?
Honestly, when you have to do a job that does not motivate you. By work themes, a message that follows a script that we do not like or simply would do otherwise. But you can not do it

-Do you have an artists you admire and what for?
Of all the artists you like something of what they do.
I like parts of each other. To give an example I love the messages of Blu, the realism of Belin, the use of colors by Eduardo Kobra, the style of C215 ….
But I also say one thing, I have painted with local artists less known than them and have nothing to envy them. I learn something from each of them because they are great artists

-Which cities do you think are the most inspirational in Street Art?
Many. The graffiti has spread so much that it is very difficult to choose any.
I liked London and especially Berlin, but I know there are temples like New York, Sao Paolo … But I have not the pleasure of having gone to see them in person. I hope someday I can do it.

-Do you have other passions apart from art?
The friends. Good times with lifelong friends is an authentic passion. Everyone makes their living but you are always in touch with them. And a weekend in which we are together is incredible.
Do not tell me it’s not a good passion. hahahah

-Do you have a wild project that you dream of achieving some day?
I am telling you the truth. It is not linked to me, but to my city. ARTAERORAP. A group of people and I organized an art festival in La Bañeza and worked very hard to make it a spectacular weekend for all attendees. Participants or public. There is dance, painting, dance, music, exhibitions and all kinds of artistic expressions … And every year all we are looking for is to grow and improve so that it fits as a good place to attend to have a good time.

-Tell us about your art, does it include symbolisms, messages or repeated patterns?
No, the truth is that I do not have a recognizable style or it has not given me to focus on one in particular. I paint what I feel like. They are all spectacular styles, maybe even if I pull more for realism, I’ve really touched a lot. As for the message, I think it is primordial, and more so if you leave open the door to interpretation

-How long time do your works usually survive for?
It is something that surely you have worked hard and have effort of some kind. Economic, working hours … and you want it to last as long as possible, but hey, you also have to know that in the case of streetart is ephemeral, sooner or later it will disappear for some reason or another

-What do you think people first think or feel when they see one of your works on the street?
So far I do not know if I have bad reviews but people in general think they like it and if they do not tell me so.jajajja. And what they feel, well, there will be people who do not like it and people who love it. But there is the nice thing; If I have the freedom to express myself by painting, people can also express their opinions. And really they are all valid and teach you something.

-Do you have a secret you would like to share with us? 🙂
No, it would not be a secret. hahahah

-What are your creative plans for the future?
I hope all those that I have ahead and are yet to come are interesting. The best creative plan is to not stop creating.
A festival, as I said before, to be incredible and to continue having opportunities that allow me to continue painting.

-Is there a specific thought or message you would like to pass to our audience out there?
Yes, I want to say just one thing.
All the artistic work that we do has a part of us inside and every expression of art is respectable. There is freedom of opinion, but also freedom of expression
Work with humility and passion

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

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