Open Walls Baltimore 2 - Ozmo (2014) by OzmoOpen Walls Baltimore
The renowned street artist talks about his influences
Italian street artist Ozmo took his first creative steps in the world of comics but found himself being more and more drawn towards painting in the 90s. At first he used a traditional canvas to create his works on, but soon sought out a new challenge and began working outside, painting works in the streets of Italy where they took on a life of their own. Praise for Ozmo’s work has meant that he's grown not just a local fan base, but has garnered attention from media outlets all over the world; so much so he’s still one of the most highly-regarded street artists in the Italian art scene.
Having moved to Milan in 2001, the city has become the artist's playground. Ozmo has taken his work further by collaborating with the mayor of the city and some of the most important art galleries and institutions. This work has meant he's almost become a spokesperson for the underground practice of street art. Here, we ask Ozmo how Milan inspires his work and the importance of street art in Italy.
Open Walls by Ozmo (From the collection of Open Walls Baltimore)
What made you decide to become an artist? And what interested you in street art?
Aged three I took a marker pen and I drew a horizontal line across the living room, which if it wasn’t done by a child, it would be thought of as very conceptual nowadays! I’ve always been creative so I don’t think you decide to become an artist, I think you choose an artistic career, which is different.
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How does the city of Milan inspire you?
The way I usually work is site specific, so the history, the culture, and the artistic touchstones of the city are my starting point. I enjoy creating art that creates a dialogue between the observer and his soul with the environment the work is placed in.
What would be a dream project of yours in Milan?
My dream project would be a contemporary historical exhibition in an established, fairly traditional museum, and the topic would be about the avant-garde street art that appeared in the same area. I believe street art has as much place in galleries as traditional art.
Our lady of Guadalupe (2010 - 2015) by OzmoRainlab
Our lady of Guadalupe by Ozmo (From the collection of Rainlab)
What do you believe is the importance of street art in a city like Milan?
Milan’s place in the history of street art is important as its impact isn’t confined to just Italy. Artists working back in 1998-2005 created an incredible boost for European street art and we were the avant-garde artists, compared to cities like Paris and London who are often thought of as the “most cool” nowadays.
For example French artist JR came to Milan in 2005 and took heavy inspiration from a lot of us artists who were working at the time. Two years later he had great success with his project Face 2 Face.
I think Italy has sometimes been a bit ignored in terms of our contribution to street art is because even though there’s loads of creative people doing really engaging work, as a country there isn’t always the same economical support to grow the street art culture to a level that matches other places. I hope that changes in the future!
