We walked out of the Garibaldi and into the 9:00pm breeze. Bumped into Keks. Keks is a friend and fellow graffiti artist to Kronie. Keks elects himself to be the lookout, and two became three. The night began with a gulp of dutch courage, a route was wished upon and walls chosen ahead of time for their ‘risk-to-reward ratio’.
It's been a month since he’s been out tagging the block, plus he had me to worry about - the over enthusiastic tag along and self proclaimed writer. We chose a different route and circled back.
Street art is the most democratic form in fine art, and must continue to be. The graffiti aspect remains hidden until the light of day, and rightfully so. We are not strangers to consequence, but even more graphic is the consequence of a disillusioned youth, turned creative deviant.
First wall
'Vandalism'
Greasedelbow:
Why take the risk ?
Kronie:
I guess it all stems from a fear of not wanting to be forgotten. In that sense it's a selfish act. Everyone is a bit selfish, some awareness I think is good.
Second wall
'Public Spaces'
Greasedelbow:
But still ?
Kronie:
You won't find me painting in private or rural spaces. But our Urban areas have always been up for grabs. The amount of space given to retail adverts alone... and still we have no choice in the matter. What's wrong with a bunch of hometown kids reclaiming their space and promoting their art ?
Third wall
'Community'
Greasedelbow:
How do you deal with the backlash ?
Kronie:
Honestly, I care more about what fellow artists and kids my age think about my work. I care more if one of the guys thinks my work or a spot I've written at is sick. I've had kids message me to say they saw my work, and it made them start painting. For me, that's the payoff.
Fourth Wall
'Banksy'
Greasedelbow:
Who is Banksy ?
Kronie:
Naah, f*ck Banksy! . . it's team Robbo, all the way.
Instagram: @_kronie
Check out the Kronie Art collection @Kronie.co.uk
Published: 01/09/2022
Written by Dan O. Eboka
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