We visited new Street Art scene enfant terrible, Okuda, in his studio in Madrid.
Formidable. What was your first creative drive? Okuda. The streets and graffiti.
F. What gets you to do art these days? O. Every body around me, all the artists I live with and hang around with. But it’s my work what really keeps me moving.
F. Top three inspirational artists? O. At first were of all the surrealists, specially Dalí, Max Ernst, Magrite. But Bosch is the man, he was way ahead of his time. Nowdays I’m influenced by everything, film, fashion, but again is the artists I collaborate with what influences me the most. If I had to say names… Daniel Firman, Kieor Oner, Jonathan Yea, Kris Kuksi, Mars 1.
F. How would you define your work? O. I don’t really like definitions or labels, but it’s been defined as Surrealist Pop. I would say it could be a mix of organic forms and colored geometric architecture.
F. Top must see magazines. O. Juxtapoz and Hi Fructose.
F. How is a day in the life of Okuda? O. I always check my mail and Facebook first. Also I go to art shows a lot and music events. My days are a mix of painting and being connected to people.
F. What do you love about Madrid? O. Its art scene.
F. What do you hate about Madrid? O. Madrid has no beach.
F. Perfect night out? O. It’s the night you know how it starts, but you never know how it’ll end.
F. Worst night out? O. There is no such a thing, even negative events may turn into something cool and fun.
F. What film is your life like? O. The Fall by Tarsem Singh… also Wakinf Life, Tideland, The House of Flying Dagas and all films by Jodorowsky.
F. What’s on your play list now? O. Darius, Trentemoller, Aparat, Washed Out, Jamie Woon, Kisses, Thieves Like Us, Fatima, Al Quadiri, teeel, Com Truise, New Division, Jon Hopkins, Foreign Beggars, Chirie Vega, Jonathan Johnsson..
F. Our motto at Formidable magazine is “a life less ordinary”. What makes life less ordinary? O. Being able to live without a schedule. That’s why I tattooed 11:11 on my wrist, to me the time is always 11.11, it’s a perfect time that always works.
