EVERY second month, we will bring you a feature where we will interview artists and promote street art in and around Durban.
Street art is a form of creative expression found on walls, substations and even high-rise buildings. It is found all across the province, and this month, we feature Shaun Oakley, better known on the street art scene as That Damn Vandal.
1. When did you first share your artwork in a public space?
“Jeez, I would say, probably in 2004.”
2. Do you work with a sketch-in-hand or do you do it freehand?
“Personally, I always have a sketch or illustration beforehand, which makes the process a lot easier. ”
3. What do you see as the artist’s role in society?
“I feel the artist’s role is to inspire, motivate and provide positivity to all. Murals change the feelings about where you are. They allow people to dream, and they take them to a different space, and I think, in a way, my art has done that.”
4. How do you define your style?
“My style is clean and vibrant, inspired by vector art and comics. It is basically an infusion of street art and digital art.”
5. What’s your favourite artwork?
“One of my favourite artworks is a wall I painted for H&A Associates in Cornubia Business Park.”
6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“The best advice I’ve ever been given is to cover my cans before packing them in the car.”
7. Besides Durban, where else can people view your art?
“All over the country, really. I’ve done a number of pieces in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Limpopo and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). A lot of my work can be found in and around Durban, but I’m hoping to do more projects across the province. I think some people within the tourism sector recognise how street art livens up a space, and now, so many people come to destinations around the world specifically looking for street art pieces and murals, so hopefully, they come across my work.”
8. What is the reaction of people to your work?
“Most people are inspired and surprised. They smile when they see my work, which is the best feedback an artist can get.”
To view more of his murals and projects, follow That Damn Vandal on Instagram.
