Mixed Media by Szabotage
Prints also available
Paignton Harbour
Szabotage
SZABOTAGE is many things. British designer, notorious street artist, and a recognized, highly prolific, contemporary artist. SZABOTAGE relocated to Hong Kong and found fame in the local and international art world. Since then, he has exhibited internationally in sold-out solo shows, and worked on numerous collaborative, commercial, and private projects. He is distinguished as the first artist in Hong Kong to list NFTs.
He has now returned home to the UK. SZABOTAGE began with the spray can and branched out into innumerable forms of media. The artist’s work celebrates the diversity of his inspirations and media formats throughout his collections.
SZABOTAGE is best recognised by his signature Koi fish - an iconic symbol of strength, adversity and good fortune which features frequently throughout his work. He has mastered a visual language through the development of layered stencils, which has become his distinctive style. His classic stencil work is spiced with humour, wordplay, and iconic cultural references. Having started his career in architecture, he continues to demonstrate this passion through his Urban Observations collection where he paints towns and cities en plein air to capture the hustle and bustle of where he is.
The Paignton Paint Out was an exhilarating experience for me. There's nothing quite like spending a day painting outdoors. I prepare my canvas beforehand, not entirely sure of what the day will bring. Once I'm on the spot, it's comforting to rely on my practiced skills, even though the process is always filled with ups and downs of thoughts and emotions that I must navigate.
My main goal is simple: to finish or create a finished piece. Finding the perfect spot to set up is crucial, as is carefully mapping out the composition on my canvas. Trusting my judgment is key as I work, ignoring the comments and distractions from onlookers until I feel my piece is more than halfway complete.
In the beginning stages, my paintings may look crude. However, there's a unique sense of camaraderie when painting outdoors. I receive support from others in various ways, whether through encouraging words, engaging conversations, or new connections made.
For me, painting is more than just a hobby—it's my passion and my gift. It's through this creative outlet that I find true fulfilment. As I continue to grow and improve in my craft, I find that others connect with my work on a deeper level. The results of my efforts reflect the joy and dedication I pour into each piece.
No matter the outcome, every paint out in Paignton is a rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to immerse myself in my art, connect with others, and celebrate the beauty of life lived passionately.
En plein air, "Paignton Harbour" is an expressive artwork by Szabotage, created live amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the town. Known for his street art murals and background as an architect, Szabotage brings together his urban observations in this piece.
Using spray paint and markers as his mediums, Szabotage captures the essence of Paignton with bold colors, dynamic strokes, and intricate details. The artwork reflects his personal experience of the town, as he immerses himself in its vibe, capturing the sounds, smells, and engaging in conversations to connect with the people and the surroundings.
Mixed Media | Spray Paint and Ink on Canvas
92x64cm
Framed in an open frame