In advance of Moniker in Brooklyn this May, we are interviewing some of the artists who are influenced both by street practice and fine art as the contemporary urban art category continues to evolve. Today, BSA is talking to Bom.K.

Parisian painter Bom.k develops huge frescoes that are truly evocative of the universe he grew up in; “Brutal, dirty, violent, suburban,” he says. Hellish monsters push through the wall in rage, nude figures contort and twist, grotesque hybrids of humans and animals and chimeras and nightmares overwhelm with a technically masterful touch and sometimes a sense of gentle humor. He says he draws upon his life experience, obviously in concert with an outstanding imagination.

Bom.K canvas “Embrouille part03” (copyright the artist)

A teenager in the early nineties with “Spray Can Art” and “Subway Art” in his possession and as inspiration, he says that these were “sacrosanct Bibles” from Prigoff, Chalfant, and Cooper that inducted him into the language of the street with a distinct New York inspiration. He did multiple tags, throw-ups, and frescos showing off lettering and character skills before co-founding Da Mental Vaporz with Iso as the century turned.

Steadfastly developing his craft and body of work on walls, Bom.k has brought his infernal bestiary into gallery settings in Paris, Denmark, LA, Berlin, and elsewhere. He’s published an illustration based book, created sculpture, prints, and of course outstanding canvasses that will summon fearful beasts of such dimension that Francis Bacon would invite them for dinner and possibly meet afterward at a dark bar with Gonzo for drinks.

Brooklyn Street Art: How would you describe your work to someone who is seeing it for the first time
Bom.k: I would describe it as an instant projection from my imagination. It is a picture made by my thoughts and transposed into a medium by the action of painting or drawing.

BSA: Do you have any personal experience with Brooklyn and its history of Street Art or graffiti?
Bom.k: The graffiti scene and street art in Brooklyn has certainly been very influential in the world. I have never painted in Brookyn yet, but like many others it would be a great pleasure to be able to.

Bom.K (photo from the artist’s Instagram account)

BSA: What’s most important to you?
Bom.k: To be original and to feel good about my technique.

BSA: Are graffiti and Street Art allowed to change, or should there be a strict definitions they adhere to?
Bom.k: Graffiti and street art don’t have to respond to rules if the goal of the rules is to  control and judge. It should appeal to as many people as possible. The practice has to stay free and independent.

Bom.K (photo from the artist’s Instagram account)

BSA: Moniker says your work has been influential and/or fundamental to urban & contemporary art’s growth. Can you see their point?
Bom.k: Oh, it’s a strong statement. I’m not sure to be the best person to talk about that. I hear sometimes that my work has been an inspiration for some artists. This is quite gratifying to hear it but I can’t say more. I have no idea about it. I just focus on my work.

BSA: Name one artist whose work you admire today.
Bom.k: I can name around a hundred without much effort. One among so many others, Dran.

 

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For more information please go to Moniker Art Fair HERE.

 

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