Station 16 Gallery is thrilled to present Stikki Peaches in his first international solo-show, "Hot Mess," which exhibits in New York City from September 25-29th. The show opens tonight at 345 Broome Street, with the vernissage beginning at 6pm.
Throughout week, Stikki Peaches has been leaving his mark on the city by covering New York with his latest work. Gaining the attention of countless passer-bys, his wheatpastes and stickers have created high anticipation for the exhibition - guerilla marketing at its finest.
Stikki Peaches in NYC
If you cannot make it to the show this weekend, don't fret. Check out all of the original works of "Hot Mess" in the exhibition catalogue here. Feel free to contact sales@station16gallery.com or call 514.849.8016 to inquire about any of the works!
After the opening of "Hot Mess," Station 16 Gallery will be releasing a 34 colored, limited-edition silkscreen print by Stikki Peaches. Stayed tuned - the exclusive print launches tomorrow, September 26th, at 12pm EST!
Kiss Daddy, silkscreen print by Stikki Peaches
In light of Stikki Peaches' latest exhibition, we are excited to feature an exclusive interview with the artist by Tyler Reed.
TR: Describe the feeling you get when you are creating your art.
SP: There's really no other feeling like it. It's my go-to place when I just need to disconnect and let the creative juices flow without worrying about the results. In the end, the final piece turns out exactly how it was intended to look. Even if it's not what I originally planed, my art finds a way to tell me when the work is done. It can be a roller coaster of emotions during the process, but the satisfaction I get once I step back and realize ''it's done'' is truly rewarding. Whether it's working on a street piece or canvas, it's exciting every single time. At least that's how I feel when I'm in the studio. There's always that connection between me and the piece that I am working on.
Fugetaboutit
TR: Was there a point you felt ready to go international? Was this a major transition?
SP: Well, truthfully, I'm not sure if there are any rules to follow on where, when, and how to take ones work to an international level or audience. My first wheatpastes were done on international soils. More specifically, across Italy while on vacation. So I suppose I worked backwards - which suits me just fine!
Stikki Peaches in Williamsburg
TR: Do you feel a sense of competition with other street artists? Is there anyone in particular that motivates you?
SP: It's not so much seen as a competition to me. Rather, it is a sense of keeping your work fresh and evolving continuously but without losing touch with who you are and what your work is about. I don't really think about what others are doing. I've got way too much on my plate and in my head to keep me busy just competing with myself. As for motivation, there are definitely a few artists whom I admire. Their work ethic, passion, and love for their craft is what motivates me -- not their competitive edge. I think the world is a big enough canvas for anyone that does this sort of thing to be able to express themselves as they please.
TR: What is the most fun you have had tagging a spot?
SP: I've had a few memorable, fun sessions. Although, the one that sticks out may have not been as fun at the time, but it is certainly funny today. It was a 3-piece install that I did a few years ago. What would normally take about 5-6 minutes, took over an hour to install. I'll try to set the scene without writing a short story. Picture a high traffic boulevard, what seemed to be an abandoned building (which I later found out wasn't), an antique car, a homeless drunk man, a stray dog, and a city truck full of employees about to start painting street lines. Needless to say, it felt like I was part of a weird carnival of sorts. After bribing the hobo with 5$ to leave, shoeing away a hungry stray dog who wanted to eat my paste, and hiding under this antique car until the city workers were done painting the streets, I went about my business without any other drama. Good times.
Stikki Spread in NYC
TR: Does remaining anonymous affect your place in the street art community? Stikki Peaches is getting more and more attention, but does this get harder for your Peter Parker/Bruce Wayne/John Doe?
SP: The way I see it, it gets complicated if you make it complicated. I have a close knit circle of people that I deal with and trust completely, which definitely helps me in terms of keeping my anonymity safe when dealing with stuff that needs that a one-on-one interaction. I have a perfect balance of being both "Batman" and "Bruce Wayne."
Bazinga Batz
TR: What is your dream success story?
SP: I'm already living a dream, just being able to do this every day is lots to be thankful for. The bigger picture is what I'm working on and striving for: making a difference through my art and hopefully helping those in need. Stay tuned.
Stikki Peaches and Indie184 in New York
TR: Do you think commercialization an inevitable part of success in street art?
SP: Well, commercialization is a part of our everyday life, so if an artist can make a living through his art, why the fuck not? Does it make you ''less credible," ''uncool,'' a ''sell out?'' Ridiculous! Commercialization is inevitable if the work is solid and if there is a demand. I embrace it with opened arms. Anyone who says otherwise is just plain bullshitting.
TR: Is there a new path to blaze in the street art realm?
SP: I'm not sure about ''a new path to blaze,'' but what I do know is my path is already on fire. It's been a great year, many blessings, and the next year is already shaping out to be a hot one.
Coco Juice
TR: Who is the one person you would like to hear is a Stikki Peaches fan?
SP: I sincerely appreciate every one of my fans, and even using the word ''fan'' seems weird to me. I just do my thing, and having people enjoy my work is thecherry on top. So to pick one fan, I would have no idea. They're all amazing to me. I can't thank them enough.
Tyler Reed is a freelance writer based in South Florida; trying his best to capture the experiences that result from his recklessly inquisitive nature.
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