Based in Vancouver, Agent X grew up in Connecticut and studied in New Haven and Atlanta. He was the top recipient at a contemporary gallery in London and he has been a finalist in numerous prestigious art contests. Agent X’s work has been exhibited in art meccas all around the world, including London, New York, Singapore, France, San Francisco, Spain, Amsterdam and Toronto.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
The art movement I consider most influential is the Young British Artists & Street Art movement. I love the freedom of having all forms painting, media, etc. Many of the artists from this era like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Steve McQueen and others have been able to make classic and innovative artworks with much success and I like to do the same. Also with the Street art movement artists like Banksy, Pure Evil, Invader to Basquiat Artwork and Artists with no boundaries.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I am usually in my artist studio near my home, that has tons of vintage magazines, paints and music blasting everywhere.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
My creative process takes many forms it depends what type of artwork I am making. If I am making collage artwork I go thru tons of magazine from the past to the present. Then sometime after I get the images I like, I will either leave as is or apply paint or extra items to add until done.
If I am making oil or watercolour artworks I take a little more time as I am creating an image from paint and I want the artwork to be of the same quality as my mixed media artworks. It usually takes days for me to analyze the subject, colour and theme of each piece.The best part of working with collage, paint or mixed media is that I can make anything on any topic. Nature,Pop Art,etc. I always want to add something special to an original piece, like Pepto Bismol, Tea Bags, Sim Cards and more. If you buy one of my pieces I want you to get more than just something to look at.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
It would have to be a mix of the 3. David Hammons, Banksy and Damien Hirst. I like the process that they being with their artwork and the messages behind it. I like the timeless work of David's bigtime. A ton of Afro American artists just do artwork on race, which I hate. If we are going to move forward we need to explore many more ideas and subjects which Hammons does. I love Banksy artwork with the wit and subject matter.Also that he keeps it real and always street. Finding his artwork is an adventure in itself. Hirst artwork and evolution process are second to none. People give him shit but his ideas alone can make any artists go "Dammm I would never think of that in my artwork". That's why he wins. I'm like him in that way, that I would have great artwork and the ideas of the work are amazing as well.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I would be in music production or sales.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
I listen to all forms of music when I am making artwork. It is a big part of my art practice. I never make the same artwork twice like sampling the same record. Always be original but respect the past and look to the future is what I try to represent in my art. Forward thinking. I never make the same thing twice so that's why I embrace "the unknown" in my creative process, it just comes down to the subject and theme. All of my artwork has an intellectual side to it. Either simple or complex. I listen to a ton of Electronic, Drum and Bass, Jazz and Hip Hop music. I really like mixes with different artists. I need to listen to different types of music so I know that it makes sense in the past and especially for the future.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
Tan Tan Bo Puking by Takashi Murakami. It is an amazing and beautiful artwork which I have had the pleasure to see. I love his style, subject and use of colour. If it is not U.K artist first then it is Asian art for me in second. I love the detail and respect that they put in their craft. Really old school process with new school thinking.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
David Zwirner he's next up. I'm next up. Perfect fit. Plus he has galleries all over the world so I can choose which places to exhibit certain artworks. A plus.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
I would say look at the best artist from the past to now.Look at the styles,colors,subjects,themes,etc.Then find your own style.
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non-fiction)?
Edward Winkleman book "Selling Contemporary Art: How to Navigate the Evolving Market". You can go to school and get the best grades and even make the best artwork but if you don't know how to navigate the business you can get lost. I see many talented artists make many mistakes not choosing the right galleries, art dealers, etc. This book is a great look at how a gallery navigates and how an artist should as well.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
It would be either the Guggenheim in New York or the Tate Modern in London. So all my friends and gallery owners friend can come. Plus the rich history of both classic galleries.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
That it is a ton of money I should have saved on art materials lol. Seriously study taught me how to master my craft and learn about the long history of art. We are just a page in a long book. You can only hope to make your page count when it's time to write it. University also taught me how to stand out in a crowded room full of artists. How to be unique and original. Teaches you who are the followers and leaders.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
In a gallery with question number 8 or the competitor lol :)
