Review: VNA issue 27
The latest issue of VNA magazine features a line up of supremely-talented urban artists such as Will Barras, Aryz and Koralie.
Since launching in 2006, the independent magazine has showcased the work of a host of big names on the street art scene. Despite it’s success, the VNA team have not been distracted from their key goal of delivering fresh, inspirational content with each issue.
Issue 27 opens with an interview with creative couple Kozy and Dan. Giving you a glimpse into the enchanting world of Kozyndan, the pair answer questions on a range of topics such as their passion for the environment, love of water and the pros and cons of a married couple working together. Their words reveal a love and respect for their fans whose enduring support has allowed them to live their creative dream; so much so that they have included some of their favorite fan art bunny rabbits in and of their pieces last year as a little thank you.
Very different but equally impressive is the work of Adnate who combines graffiti and portraiture for shockingly good results. The way in which he effortless switches between small and large scales and draws on his multi-cultural upbringing in his work makes for an impressive body of work and a fascinating interview.
It is Will Barras turn to have his career examines as part of VNA’s ongoing series “Diggin’ in the Crates”. A timeline of some of his personal milestones gives a great impression of who and what helped shape his career and mould him into one of the UK’s best street artists. The ten images Will has selected show a clear progression in his work and his accompanying text sheds light on the happy accidents and helping hands which aided the evolution of his style.
A showcase of the work of Stendec includes lots of beautiful examples of his abstract, architecture-inspired style. Bursts of colour and explosions of shape are key within Stendec’s style but what makes his work stand out for the crowd is he clear control over the style. Knowing when to stop creates bold negative spaces and gives immense visual impact.
Starting in 2010, POW! WOW! festival has now grown to include over 100 artists painting around 60 murals. This perfectly illustrates street art’s growth in recent years and shows why many believe it to be the biggest art movement the world has ever seen. An excitement-filled interview with the founders of POW! WOW! talks about the practicalities of setting up an event of this scale. Stories include that of a man who started out completely opposed to the festival and has turned into it’s biggest fan:
I explained the meaning behind POW! WOW! – that it is not just about the art but it’s this community that we’re trying to build; we are trying to beautify the area.
Spanish-born artist Aryz is another highlight, sharing his evolving working process. Not content with it’s overly-clean finish, Aryz has recently swapped from spray paint to rollers in an effort to include some of his process in his artwork.
This pro-mistake ethos gives his work a rustic texture and adds to it’s overall impact.
‘Experiments in Style’ looks at the career of Koralie who reflects on the key players that have influenced and inspired her journey to becoming the ‘multi-talented, multimedia-wielding’ artist she is today; including her artistically-adventurous parents, experimentation-filled art studies and infamous creative husband Supakitch. Having collaborated with each other throughout their relationship, their creative output reflects their unwavering devotion to their craft and each other:
When we combine our universes, it immediately tells a story. We don’t force anything, it just works.
Whether collaborating on large scale murals, painting canvas pieces, weaving fabrics, or designing her jewellery line, her creative genius knows no bounds.
Further on, artist The Broken Fingaz can be found in some of London’s trendiest spots. The four member’s styles merge together to create vibrant and slightly psychedelic work that is bound to liven up any neighbourhood.
From bunny tsunamis to photo-realistic faces, geometric explosions to majestic palaces: the diversity of work showcased in this issue of VNA is pretty special – and one you’re likely to return to again and again.