Shelflife Artist Series: Breeze Yoko
We are proud to present our next featured graffiti artist Breeze Yoko on our Artist Series rollout. We caught up with the JHB-based artist leading up to this Saturday 26 November's release to find out about his past, previous works and inspirations that keep pushing him as an artist.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cape Town between Gugulethu and Nyanga East
When did you start writing?
I started in the late 90’s use to run these streets with the late ‘Zebo’ aka Tofu (RIP)
If there was one moment that really peaked your interest leading you into graffiti, what was it and when?
I think I’ve always been fascinated with writings on the wall. Growing up in the 80’s there was a lot of political movement and restrictions. People couldn't speak about things or mention certain names in public, so walls became a very important way of sharing vital information with the community. So like a lot of people I was very curious as to how they were able to get up without getting caught or seen by anyone. At this time I was also travelling by train to get to school so I started noticing a different kind of writing on the walls and that piqued my curiosity even more. By then I was exposed to hip hop and I knew what I was seeing and I wanted in.
Who / what was your biggest inspiration starting?
Getting Up: TVA, Sky-189, Ice, RL, FUK, these are the writings of my times and I just wanted to be counted with them. They made me realise what was possible with a spray can and I found a community that spoke my visual language. So I wanted to be noticed by this community and that drove me to try to get to their level.
Who / what is your biggest inspiration now?
Staying Up.
I was happy being anonymous in the early years and just being known by the community. I appreciated this a lot about graffiti because you followed the art and not the personality. I was challenged when I overheard some young black kids looking at a piece and disagreeing whether it was created by a white or black artist. What touched me the most was, because the piece was good they had their doubts that it could have been a blak artist. This lead me to wanting to be more visible when painting, so kids who look like me can see themselves in me and can believe they also can get up. This has also influenced the content of my pieces.
It took me back to how I was first introduced to ‘graffiti’ in the late 80’s and the messaging part about it. This has been my inspiration on how I can use my pieces to inspire, inform and make you think.
Has graffiti helped shape your future, if so what commercial work has lead to where you find yourself today?
Graffiti saved my life... 😊
I’ve travelled the world, I’ve been to places I never imagined or thought existed. I have met friends who have become family, I’ve grown as a human and as an artist because of this thing here called graffiti. It has done so much for me and my life. It’s still giving to me and still teaching me so much and opening so many doors for me as we speak. I’ve been lucky to not have to rely on it for commercial work and I’ve been commissioned mostly to do my style and concepts. This has not been easy and I have had to fight hard to carve my way in this and the battle is not yet won. The times are easier now and people are more open to the idea of an artist living off their art. I’m finding more and more people who want to support me do my thing in public and the world. I’m also tapping into more contemporary ways of allowing people to be able to support me and bring life to dead walls.
What was your specific inspiration for your SL Artist Tee?
It was cold when I came up with this collaboration. I had three concepts going. One was related to the sneaker culture, the second was related to bmx Kasi/Hood bike life culture. The third that made it to the tee was projecting all the things I wished for this summer. Peace and relaxation, chilling, beauty and enjoying life. This was inspired by our annual camping trip with my kids, family and friends.
Tell us something we don't know about you?
I’ve gotten DM’s on instagram from two of my favourite MC’s:
Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, better known as Black Thought and Percy Carey, also known by the stage names MF Grimm, Grimm Reaper, GM Grimm and originally Build and Destroy. Where MF Doom got his MF from.
What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists just starting along their journey?
Keep creating, and work with what you have. Start where you are. One day it will all make sense and you can convert that to cents.
Shelflife Artist Tee 'Breeze Yoko'
R499
S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Dropping Saturday 26 November in CPT, JHB and online.
Online at 7am, stores from 10am.