Anomie1 interview with Justin BUA

anomie1: Can you give us a little background about yourself?

I'm from New York City, grew up on the Upper Best Side - Harlem. I was raised by a single mom working 2 jobs so I was a latch key kid early on. I was a bboy and a graff writer so I used to spend a lot time hanging around RockSteady Park and the Douglas Projects, taking in the people and the NY flavor.

anomie1: How does graffiti have an influence in your artwork?

I grew up with dope graff writers. I went to Music & Art and some of my friends were really good, like West, Serge... I wasn't as good as they were but I really wanted to learn from them. I was more into drawing characters though... today still, I have the type of distorted elements in my pieces that I picked up both from the angularity of graff and rhythms of b-boying and popping. I was a professional breakdancer for 13 years and that has been an enormous influence on my style.

anomie1: What artists on the street did you look up to when you were a kid?

I looked up to my friends who were great graffiti writers. But I grew up during the Hip Hop Renaissance and there were guys out there that were unbelievable. Lee, Skeme, Seen, Bill Blast, Revolt... those guys you had to look up to! I was never on that level and all of those heads were all older than me.

anomie1: What do you think of the whole urban art scene or what some may call 'artfags'. example: neckface?

I think there's urban art and there's propaganda. What I do is more fine-art oriented. I paint what I know. The heroes of my time... so in a sense I am a historical painter--at least I paint my view of history. Because I trained classically and I paint on canvas I am not a "street artist"... But it's cool to see guys that spread the word about urban art that way... guerilla style... I'll always value more a cool piece on a wall than a tag defacing public property but I also probably wouldn't have said that when I was 20! I think as long a people go out there and make an effort to do what they love to do, it's a good thing. Urban art is needed and if the propaganda way is your way, I say sure, go ahead. Do your thang.

anomie1: Can you tell us about some of you current projects and shows?

I'm finishing my breakdance piece soon... Real soon! Some people have been waiting for it for a couple of years now so I'm finally releasing it. My second shoe line is coming out this summer as well and I launched my T-shirt line a month or so ago. Right now, I'm getting ready for the Artexpo in NYC. It's more of a trade show but I'll be signing my work there on March 6th. You can view more info on my website: www.justinbua.com. Other than that, I am preparing an exhibit in Montreal some time this year.

Big props to Anomie for what you guys do - thanks a lot for your support! As usual, shout-outs to my crew and to the fans.

Peace
ONE
BUA