Endless is a London-based contemporary artist. He was born with a strong passion for art that he has developed over the years. To realize his artworks, he takes inspiration from the world around him, from brands to celebrities. Let’s get to know him better!
How was your passion for art born?
I have been creative for as long as I can remember, so I guess it was born with me!
Is there a precise moment in which you said: “Okay this is my path, I want to do that in my life”?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an artist, there was never anything else that interested me as a potential career – art has always been my only passion. I studied art for 6 years after leaving school, but the real journey as an artist begins once you graduate and try to find your way in the art world. Despite all the rejections I inevitably faced as at the start of my career, I knew that art is what I need to do. It is something inside me that I need to get out and express.
How do you choose the subjects of your artworks?
I take inspiration from the world I see around me. Seeing the way brands and celebrities are worshiped by society inspired me to paint subjects such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Karl Lagerfeld as though they were religious icons of worship. These ‘Gods of Fashion’ are a symbol of our times. One of my most popular artworks is my Lizzy Vuitton painting, which depicts a modernized portrait of the Queen, wearing a branded shawl. I decided to start painting the Queen as she is so iconic and the royal family are a brand in themselves – the way humans react and interact with branding and advertising is a subject that has always interested and inspired me. Adorning The Queen in branded clothing represents the modern epitome of luxury.
In your paintings you mix art and fashion, how did this idea come to your mind?
In some ways, there is a fine line between fashion and art, there are many similarities. I like to capture a moment in time with my art and depicting popular brands is a way of doing that. Fashion brands are something that is widely recognized within modern society – when people see the brands they like in a painting, they can connect to it in a more personal way. It was fashion adverts that first led me to incorporate this into my work - the strong graphics used for fashion brand ads leant themselves to my style of art.
What do you think about the evolution of street art over the years? I mean, I think that now it is a recognized artistic movement and not just something people categories as “graffiti”, right?
Public perception has changed since the growth of street art as a commodity, due to artists such as Banksy, who pushed the movement forwards. Now street art is in the biggest museums and galleries in the world and collectors are investing in it the same way they would in any other art form. This is a positive thing as artists are being seen in their own right – an artist, not just a street artist. The freedom of expression and aesthetics associated with the urban landscape will always be a draw to artists, no matter how commercialized street art becomes. The best thing about raw street art is the fact it is available for everyone from all backgrounds to see and enjoy in their own way, without having to go to a gallery or museum.
“It’s important to know the past, in order to create your own future”
Do you take inspiration from some artists of the past?
Whilst studying art history at university, you learn about great artists of the past, as it’s important to know the past, in order to create your own future. I haven’t been overly influenced by other specific artists as such - I take my inspiration mostly from walking the city streets, advertising billboards and the media. My brain is constantly processing new ideas and finding ways of expressing them in an individual way.
You collaborated with many other artists and with famous brands and fashion designers, too. Can you name one of your collaborations that you will never forget?
My collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld is special, as it was such an organic collaboration. I have been depicting Karl in my work for years as a God of fashion and after putting up some street art in Amsterdam, the Karl Lagerfeld team spotted my work and reached out to me. Sadly, Karl passed away during the collaboration, but I was so happy to hear that he liked my work, that meant a lot to me.
In your opinion what does “DARE” mean in art?
For me, dare means to fully commit, make art your life and take risks when needed.
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Endless is represented by Cris Contini Contemporary gallery www.criscontinicontemporary.com
For DareClan
Images provided by Endless