Amadama

Amadama has been talking to ISSA this week, bringing us all closer to the person behind some fascinating urban improvisation we have witnessed through our partner, BLOOP festival. An artist full of energy who enjoys imensely to provoke and joke daily. Inspired by his energy and basslines, he aims to tell funny stories to society and certainly doesnt take himself too seriously. Enjoy this entertaining interview with Amadama!

– What would you like to drink? Coffee, Tea, Beer, Soda or something else?
Today, a ginseng.

– Introduce yourself to us – as if we had no idea who you were!
I’m nobody, and I like that. I enjoy having fun, and I think I have a good eye. I get a thrill every now and then from creating some urban art, but I don’t consider myself an artist, even though I could technically call myself one.

– Where does your (tag) Artist name come from?
Amadama. I spent a lot of time with Italian friends smoking joints in parks. They say that in Italy, when they see the police, they shout, ” ‘a madama, ‘a madama,” which is why I chose this name. I think “madama” means police in Italian. I liked the idea of a word that creates alarm and alertness; it seemed perfect.

-How do you define yourself and why? Artist? Street artist? Something else?
As I said before, I don’t believe I’m an artist. I just think I’m observant, a fan of urban art (the cool kind, not the star system kind), the anonymous stuff where people have fun. I like telling stories, in my own way, based on what I feel in that moment.

– How did it all start for you, and what is it nowadays?
BLOOP in Ibiza, right from our first collaboration, pushed me to do something stimulating, and I had fun. I’ve repeated this a few times while continuing my work in New York, London, and Tokyo. I also participated in Mexico, where I created a beautiful “papel picado” piece.

This year, I created a fantastic installation at the port of Ibiza. It wasn’t really my style, but I had fun. I developed an augmented reality path in collaboration with Biokip Labs, where people could explore different points and complete exercises I had designed in 3D through two characters I invented (a turntable and a bassline). I’ll send you photos and videos. BLOOP included these works in their AR app, and it turned out great.

-What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I smoke a bong.

-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 kinds of music, but I only work while listening to techno and hardcore.

-In all forms of art, inspiration is crucial. What inspires you and how does that end up in your art?
I don’t know. It all depends on the energy I have, the idea that comes to me, and the space where I want to create.

-What is the hardest part while working on a piece of art?
It depends on what I have in mind. I couldn’t give you an answer right now… nothing feels like a burden to me, otherwise, I wouldn’t do it. I’m not a professional artist, and I don’t want to be. I only want to create what I enjoy when I make my works, while surviving and earning money through my job, which is intentionally not as an artist. If I were an artist, the hardest part would probably be getting advice from incompetent people.

-Do you have any artist(s) you admire? Can you pinpoint what it is that makes them so special for you?
There are many artists I like. I appreciate their works, but in other cases, I admire their approach even if I don’t necessarily love their pieces. Overall, I like those who strive and manage to stay independent.

-Which cities are the most inspiring for you as an artist?
Every place has its peculiarities, and I’m a curious person. What really inspires me is the people who live in those places, not so much the physical spaces, although this often influences the public spaces where I operate.

-What other passions do you have apart from art?
I produce music with my bassline.

-Do you have a special project that you hope to achieve some day?
I think so.

-Tell us a bit more about your art; does it include symbolisms, messages or repeated patterns? How has it evolved?
I usually draw dicks or silly things. Occasionally, something intelligent comes out, but it’s rare. I’m particularly proud of the “vaginea” inscription in the field, but especially of the biggest glowing dick in the world… it makes me laugh that I take pride in these achievements.
Sono molto orgoglioso dell ascritta vaginea nel campo m asoprattutto il cazzo luminoso piu grande del mondo…mi fa ridere che mi auto inorgoglisco per questi meriti,..

– How long time does your art work, on walls, usually survive for?
It depends. Some things I do quickly, while others take a lot of time, especially the concept. I try to create simple things that make me laugh. I like the idea of making someone smile, even if it’s just one person who thinks, “Look at this idiot (in a good way)” and laughs!

-What do you think, people feel or think of, when they see one of your works on the street?
I do different things. Sometimes I write serious messages, other times vulgarities, and the reaction varies greatly.

-What are your creative plans for the future?
Keep doing what I want without compromising.

-Is there a little wish you have that not many people know about?
I’d like to smoke a bong.

-Is there a specific thought or message you would like to pass to our audience out there?
Don’t let anyone stop you. If I made it, anyone can.

Thank you! 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.