Freewalling in Miami

I’ve painted more or less all my life, beginning with hanging out at very early years in my father’s studio, where he had set up a mini easel and some canvases for me to play around with. This creative and harmonic environment with a constant smell of linseed oil in the air has contributed to that smell still having a calming effect on me, making me nostalgic thinking back to those times with my dad.

However, in my teenage years my fascination turned from the canvas in the studio to the walls in the streets. This was something that I was completely drawn into. Everything about and around it attracted me and it in many ways still reflects my style today.

As of today, Art Basel 2011 in Miami (www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/) has begun and will carry on for the next four days. It’s one of the most exciting art events during the year in my opinion and always features many different and exciting up coming and established artists. But this post wont be about what’s on this years agenda, but rather the big thing last year. An entire warehouse area was transformed into a permanent public street art exhibition. The Wynwood walls (http://thewynwoodwalls.com) is an amazing showcase of some of the most talented artist in this genre. It is monumental proof that should put any discussion weather this is art or not to an end. Let’s hope more cities around the world will be inspired to do similar things in their respective backyards.