KO Artist Feature Indie 184

LOVE IS PARADISE, site specific mural, 30 x 12 feet, mixed media on wood, 2015.

North America’s freshest female writer, street / studio artist, fashion designer, and mom to three (most impressive!); Indie 184 tells KO about her creative process, her inspiration and art.Indie 184’s paintings are a rhapsody of color and textures blended with of her original graffiti, street art, imagery, and designs juxtaposed with personal messages. Indie 184’s work can be found in the streets from the South Bronx to Paris. Indie 184 is currently designing the latest collection for her streetwear brand Kweenz Destroy. In 2013 Indie 184 collaborated with M·A·C Cosmetics to create unique cosmetics bags with her art. Indie 184 is a remarkable multiplatform artist. I am always most impressed by people who can cross-over, cross-promote and collaborate in different directions while still keeping true to their style.

KO: Where did your name Indie 184 originate?

Indie 184?: Indie comes from the Indiana Jones movie Indiana Jones Temple of Doom, I kinda liked it, and the 184 was the block I grew up in; 184 Broadway.

KO: When did you decide you were an artist?

Indie 184: When I met other writers I got to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I met other girl writers, my partner COPE 2 and little by little started getting into the action of it. My partner inspired me and told me to keep going with it.

KO: What is your earliest “art” memory that evoked the feelings inside you?

Indie 184: Growing up in New York when I was a little girl, taking the train, being raised in the south Bronx, walking to highschool and junior highschool. I was always curious about what this culture was about.

KO: How is fashion a part of your art?

Indie: Kweenz Destroy came out because my partner came out with Kings Destroy. I always wanted to have my own fashion brand, even if it’s only t-shirts and I finally found a name that represented what I want to do; be fun and fearless.

KO: What kind of music do you like to listen to while you are working?

Indie 184: Pop music, dance music, dub step

KO: Who influenced your style as an artist?

Indie 184: Probably Lady Pink, seeing her and her wild style. There weren’t that many girl writers (at that time) but now there are so many all in different parts of the world.

KO: What artistic movement or period has influenced you the most in your own practice?

Indie 184: I am influenced by abstract expressionism and pop art.

KO: What advice would you give future artists?

Indie 184: Just go for it. Don’t be scared. Don’t think that you are not good enough. Put yourself out there to make a name for yourself and you know, just reach for the stars. Have confidence in yourself. Just do it.

KO: What does your creative process look like?

Indie 184: My creative process usually starts by pouring out conflicting ideas or emotions using words, images and color. When I create a painting, it’s like a page of my personal diary – all the pieces are worlds of personal declarations. Constant use of word play, found scraps of paper, stencil, graffiti, graphics and photographs mixed with vivid colors. Layering and textures of paint and paper resonates the spirit and soul of the work. I use iconic female imagery provoking mood and expression embellished with dripping paint juxtaposed with words. The use of color is significantly important reflecting the energy of the painting. The composed painting reflects power, motivation and with an undeniable twist of feminism in my paintings.