Janineby Natalie Tharraleos
This month’s featured artist is Hyro, whose work can be seen all over LS8 and beyond. Natalie, from East Side Story caught up with Hyro to find out more about the inspiration behind his work.
Hyro chose his street name inspired by the play on hieroglyphics, ancient symbols telling a story on walls.
Below, we take a deep dive into the inspiration behind his iconic street art!
What inspires you to create your art?
My main inspirations are Hip-hop, typography and colour and my current passion project is inspired by Japanese graphics.
Is there a medium you most enjoy using?
My most preferred medium is using a can of spray paint but I also use the iPad and frequently use alcohol markers to sketch in black books. As a kid I loved to draw, then I went on to study graphics.
How did you start your graffiti journey?
I was mentored in 1999 by an older graffiti writer and had access to legal walls in my neighbourhood where I could practice with spray paint.
What makes the creative process fulfilling and sustainable for you?
It’s fulfilling when people can relate and connect with the things I paint.
Getting commissioned and having people buy my art has helped me to keep going.
The biggest challenge is bad weather and getting permission for spaces to showcase the art publicly without the risk of criminal damage/vandalism charges.
Highlight moments:
The outdoor Mandela basketball court walls was a project very close to my heart, being endorsed by the governing body for the sport. Being given the opportunity to help invite and inspire the next generation of players with my work was special.
Our project Lunch Breaks started as a weekly hip-hop family social event at Left bank during the pandemic, where people could informally learn about the creative elements that make up hip-hop culture. The highlight was successfully running a spring graffiti jam bringing together 13 Artists and showcasing their talented graffiti work live to the public. You can find out more about Lunch Break via their Facebook page.
Advice for other artists?
“Nothing worth having is ever easy to get.”
Be dedicated, apply yourself to your chosen practice and put in 10,000 hrs!
Any upcoming events you want to tell readers about, or links to your work?
I will be exhibiting the Japanese project from 3rd-10th June 2023 at the North Light Art centre. 31 Potternewton Ln, Leeds LS7 3DD (Check out this venue at: https://northlightartscentre.org.uk/. ) .
I’m active on Instagram (@hyrograff) and you can find my online shop at https://hyrostudio.bigcartel.com/
You can see Hyro’s Graffiti in various locations. For LS8 Check out Bankside St, Potterewton park skate park, Shine car park, and LS10 skatepark behind Kosco.
