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Ephemeral works
He is everywhere and nowhere. He realized hundreds of works, the vast majority of which have disappeared or only exist in a photograph that it is, perhaps, possible to find in the depths of social networks, the distribution channel which made its urban diversions known throughout the world.
Like his polar bear sitting on the T bar of a Stop sign and who watches, helplessly, the disappearance of the ice floe and the rising waters. Or his Snoopy who comes to lie down on a niche materialized by the shadow of an urban element, at certain hours only, depending on the sun.
No artistic study
You may have seen him last November 21, at the former School of Fine Arts, where the City rented him a studio which was accessible to the public that day. Or you probably encountered him in the street, his playground, without knowing it was him because he preserves his anonymity.
“It allows people to focus on my work and not on the person doing it,” he explains. I like to be incognito and I intend to remain so, even if I sometimes appear, when I speak for workshops in schools or at a festival. »
Having lived in Saint-Étienne for a very long time, Oakoak has become an international street art signaturethis movement which makes the street and its elements (walls, furniture, roads, sidewalks, etc.) a medium for free artistic expression. Until seeing his works exhibited alongside those of reference artists, such as the French stencil graffiti artist Blek le rat.
It’s been more than ten years now since this forty-year-old lives off his ephemeral, funny and poetic creations. He did no artistic study and was not formatted by any industry code.
“I started by making two eyes around a manhole that I passed every day on my way to work”remembers this former administration employee, who likes more than anything to let his gaze and his imagination wander to the rhythm of his steps.
Like a film director doing his scouting while waiting for inspiration. “Like a child who looks at the clouds and looks for shapes”he likes to imagine. Always with a marker, a tape measure and your mobile phone in your pocket, to stock a photo library with thousands of photos.
“I just want to make people smile or laugh”
At the beginning, Oakoak (pronounced “wak-wak” and which refers to the oak, in English, but also to the “quack-quack” of the duck) mainly used collage, a technique that was quicker to install and he prepared at home. He now uses the stencil and spray paint more regularly.
Like the original one, designed from the image of an x-ray and which sits in his workshop. It depicts Louise Brooks, an American actress of the 1920s and 1930s.
“I have no message, he assures. I just want to make people smile or laugh. »
Inspired by the world of video games from the 80s and 90s and cartoons (notably The Simpsons), the man has seen his creations flood the Web. From France to Canada, from Belgium to the United States, from Japan to Spain. The streets of the world have become places of expression for this Saint-Etienne artistexhibited in several galleries around the globe, football enthusiast and admirer of the work of the Spanish artist Pejac.
**How does Oakoak’s anonymity contribute to the public’s interpretation and enjoyment of his work, considering the strong emphasis on individual expression in traditional art forms?**
## World-Today-News: Exclusive Interview with Oakoak
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World-Today-News, where we explore the vibrant world of art and those who shape it. Today, we are joined by two esteemed guests: Oakoak, the elusive and internationally renowned street artist, and art curator** [Name of Art Curator]**, an expert on contemporary urban art.
We will be delving into the captivating world of Oakoak’s ephemeral creations, exploring the motivations behind his anonymity, the influence of his surroundings, and the broader impact of street art on our urban landscape.
**Section 1: The Elusive Artist – Anonymity and Artistic Freedom**
**Host:** Oakoak, your anonymity is a defining characteristic. What drove you to choose this path, and how do you think it impacts the way people perceive your art?
**Democracy:**
*
How do you see anonymity impacting the relationship between the artist and the viewer in the context of street art?
**Oakoak:**
* *[Response]*
**[Name of Art Curator]:**
* *[Response]*
**Section 2: Ephemeral Art – Capturing Moments in Time**
**Host:** Oakoak, your works are often described as ephemeral, existing only for a short time before fading away. What draws you to this transient nature of art, and how do you feel about the documentation of your work through photographs?
**Democracy:**
* Some argue that documenting ephemeral art loses its essence. Do you agree, or do you believe that photography allows for a different kind of engagement with these transient creations?
**Oakoak:**
* *[Response]*
**[Name of Art Curator]:**
* *[Response]*
**Section 3: Inspiration and Technique – From Manhole Covers to Stencils**
**Host:** Oakoak, your art draws inspiration from everyday objects and scenes. Can you share the process behind transforming mundane elements into captivating art pieces? How has your approach evolved from collage to stencil and spray painting?
**Democracy:**
* How do you see the evolution of street art techniques, and its role in blurring the lines between traditional fine art and public art?
**Oakoak:**
* *[Response]*
**[Name of Art Curator]:**
* *[Response]*
**Section 4: The Message – Laughter, Joy, and Human Connection **
**Host:** Oakoak, you’ve stated that your work has no intended message. Nevertheless, it evokes a sense of whimsy, humor, and thought-provoking observations about the world around us. What role do you see your art playing in public spaces, and how do you hope it resonates with viewers?
**Democracy:**
* Street art often sparks dialog and debate about public space and artistic expression. How do you believe street art can contribute to social commentary and community engagement?
**Oakoak:**
* *[Response]*
**[Name of Art Curator]:**
* *[Response]*
**Conclusion:**
**Host:** Thank you, Oakoak and [Name of Art Curator], for this insightful conversation. We hope your perspectives have shed light on the fascinating world of ephemeral street art and its impact on our urban landscape.
We encourage our viewers to explore more of Oakoak’s work online and engage with the nurturing
