Italian cubist street artist Hunto has ventured into oil paints for the first time and is about to kick off a week long exhibition at Cre8 Gallery in Hackney. He’s called London home for a while now and was happy to give us a bit of insight into his work and the way London inspires him creatively. Read on to find out about why his show is called Bella Mia, why art is important to him and his favourite London discovery (which sort of ties into his exhibition…)!
LLO: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
HUNTO: I’m from the south of Italy and I’m known to some as ‘young boy’. I’ve been based in London for a few years and my reasons for being here are many, not just for art.
LLO: In what ways does living in London inspire your creativity?
HUNTO: London has many cultures who mix together. That mixture inspires my work. Different faces, shapes and colours excite me.
LLO: You have an exhibition this week at Cre8 Gallery in Hackney. The title is Bella Mia. What does this mean and how does it tie in to the work we’ll see in the show?
HUNTO: Bella Mia is a term of endearment in Italy, which simply translates to “my Beauty”. This show at Cre8 Gallery is a reflection of my love and passion for women. It’s a show about love and experience men have with women. My work attempts to show different personalities, characteristics and cultures of the opposite sex.
LLO: What can we expect from the exhibition? What will the opening event be like.
HUNTO: The exhibition will showcase another side of me, which I’m still developing. Coming from a graffiti background, displaying in a gallery setting in fairly new to me. The opening will be a surprise to many as people are used to seeing my work in the streets.
LLO: In this show you’re using oil for the first time. How do you feel about the results? Will you continue this way in the future?
HUNTO: I am using oils as I want to develop as an artist and to free myself from the graffiti tag. The result was as I expected, leaving me satisfied that I am finally evolving. In my mind, I always knew I would make that transition but will always respect my roots. The future for Hunto…. only God knows! Maybe I’ll sing one day.
LLO: Tell us about your background as an artist. Are you self trained or formally taught? How long have you been painting? Why is it important to you?
HUNTO: I’ve always drawn since I was a child. Graffiti was introduced to me in 1996 and since then I have never looked back. Before friends would tell me I should try using cans and to work on walls, so from then I trained myself and developed various styles. Art simply helps makes me happy and keeps me from trouble.
LLO: If you had to describe your style of art to someone who has never seen your work, what would you say?
HUNTO: Colourful, vibrant, static. Really, I want people to make up their own minds.
LLO: What is the story behind the name Hunto?
HUNTO: It’s a name I liked the sound of and when I used to do lettering I liked the way the letters stood next to each other.
LLO: Why is colour so important to you?
HUNTO: Colour reflects my personality.
LLO: Tell us about another London-based artist that is doing something you admire.
HUNTO: I respect all artists!! i don’t judge or comment…
LLO: What’s your favourite London discovery?
HUNTO: Anywhere that has women.
Thanks Hunto!
Pop over to Cre8 Gallery to check out Hunto’s show from November 21 – December 3. It’s open every day from 11am – 6pm. The gallery is also hosting a cubism art seminar on November 28 from 6-9pm.
Little London Observationist 