Erick Trejo (@ericktrejo777) es un artista visual urbano establecido en Cancún, México.
En esta entrevista Erick nos cuenta su visión del Street Art, sus consejos y sus metas como artista.
Entrevista hecha por Nicolás Alegrett a través de videollamada de Instagram.
Interview Translation:
Erick Trejo is an urban visual artist based in Cancun, Mexico.
In this interview, Erick tells us about his vision of Street Art, his advice and his goals as an artist.
Interview made by Nicolás Alegrett through an Instagram video call.
NA: How did your path to the artistic world of street art / urban art come about? Did you have a mentor, influence or moment in your life that brought you here?
ET: Yes, I had a mentor. I started with a brother, my eldest brother. He was involved in art and I liked to see what he did. Little by little I got there.
NA: What is the purpose or message that you want to share via your art / work?
ET: I would say that I have no message. If you like something then enjoy it. If people see a deeper message through what you do, it is a benefit by itself.
NA: Do you think that graffiti can become vandalism, or is it always some form of art?
ET: Without graffiti, the second step would not have been taken. Without those first studs that were made, we would not have gotten to where we are today. I have a lot of respect for people who do illegal graffiti because without them street art would not have been as successful. Many people see it as vandalism but without them the artistic expression that exists today would not have been achieved.
NA: Do you think graffiti / street art and artists bring a service / value to society? In your case, what is it?
ET: I have heard that here in Mexico there are many abandoned places that are rekindled through art and festivals. Most of all, this absorbs the youth and in a positive way. Seeing how an abandoned building is turned into a beautiful work draws a lot of attention. I feel that this is the most important thing.
NA: Do you think street art is part of Mexican culture? In what way?
ET: Absolutely, because practically if you leave your house what you see is any type of urban art. You see paintings by Rueda. It is everywhere, even in the market. Today we can say that it has already taken the streets completely. I believe that everywhere in Mexico, and you are not going to let me lie, this type of art is manifesting itself and growing.
NA: Where do you see yourself and in turn the street art movement heading in the future? Do you have any goals in mind?
ET: I don't really have a short or long term goal. This came about because I like it. About the movement in general, before, in the past, it was not seen so much in the streets, much less appreciated. With this new way of seeing urban art we could create projects to educate young people and transmit good messages. Positive and negative things can happen. I feel that today we cannot get young people out of crime or drugs, but we can help. I would not be surprised in the future to see entire cities decorated and painted with beautiful art and colors, because it is already being seen.
NA: As a last question I wanted to ask you, what message would you give to all those who are getting involved in the world of urban art?
ET: It is simple. If you believe it, if you like it, dream of it then hold on. As in everything there are going to be people who are envious of you but it is up to you to say if you give up or move on. If you really want to do it, give it a try. Surround yourself with people who are in the same line and interested as you. If you want to paint and surround yourself with people who are on drugs, for example, you will not get anywhere. You need harmony and people who are chasing that dream with you. Hold on.
NA: That was all for today. Thanks a lot for your time and good luck in your future projects.
@ericktrejo777: Sigue a Erick Trejo en instagram // Follow Erick Trejo on instagram.
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