Questions of ‘shared space’ and ‘value’ of art arise when it comes from the city– the sum involves the means by which the art is made and the conditions that affect the artist. Mylo Elliot’s art is a complexity, a use of language and representation. Patterns are observed in writing, inherent structure- architecture, meaning and significance emerge. Working with single words and letters allows Elliott to construct fabric in painting and represent creative movement. By breaking down words in interaction, we can revalue what we already put into everyday communication.
The city and its inhabitants are in a state of movement. Cultural forms find their roots amongst the faded streets with the dark nights; it seems we have been here for a while.‘Culture is ordinary’ as is literacy with its global timing. This writing follows the experience that the influential HipHop culture has had on the city, as experienced by graffiti artists and those painting next to them. This could be a depiction of any one of their background; spray cans, sketchbooks, black books, tags and pieces, the city, mapping, navigating and painting. A description is fleeting,’ The individuality and beauty of the tag’- anonymity, no more than being passed in the night. Writing names on walls. for many, a new way to abstract the meaning of life, working into the margins of creativity and venturing out into the city again. A city is a place where anything can happen and does. It becomes interesting to see other people who are developing their art, their graffiti engaging and challenging, through to the softer side, creating a soulful, vibrant task.
Self-taught or art school?
I took a few years to get my practice underway, after returning to art school in my mid-thirties. I would say art school shaped what I do now, it changed things. Certain aspects, experience and viewpoints make me feel that I’m self-taught. That self-directed studio practice was influenced by the people I’ve been working with, finding a purpose in communicated ideas.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
Owning a piece of art most I’m likely to be inspired to find something in a good look around. Between work I’ve seen over the years and contemporary art, I’d like to support an established graffiti artist Remi Rough and have him paint a mural. I don’t have a house though, maybe a signed paper piece. I like his formulations.
How would you describe your style?
My style I would describe as graffiti art. Maybe fine art with the influence of graffiti. It’s a means to change things, on a level with the other elements of Hip Hop. It relies on the context of graffiti culture and a departure into a new way of painting.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I’ve been engaged in painting abstract canvases and making graffiti films. Art school happened, I graduated. I spent a few years primarily writing notes, I painted one evening a week when my housemates were at Judo. Without a studio I spent time writing, teaching and creating graffiti installations with my collaborator and mentor Rob K. currently were working on a commission, painting one hundred skateboards.
Is narrative important within your work?
Narrative is important as an artist and can be a central part of artist practice. I never fully established my narrative, though my work is partly based on healing. I saw a film where someone was given a musical instrument to help heal a broken heart. I’d like to give the instrument to anyone who needs it, be that dialogue or conversation.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Favourite artists, I know a few personally. For style and talent Mode 2, his content is so varied and I guess it’s something that I couldn’t get close to doing myself. The admiration goes to Remi Rough, winning formula. My favourite, Vincent Van Gough. For making sense of things in such a unique way. My friend BGirl Unity.
What or who inspires your art?
The context of art from the city is inspirational. The backdrop of life, tags, throw-ups and pieces. It’s inspirational to listen to people talk, expressing themselves, applying understanding to process, creativity and having fun.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I have a desk in my front room for the studio. It’s not much, a turntable and a nice computer. It’s a working and listening room. I go up on the train to work at the collaboration once a week, painting and other design work. Travelling about is keeping me going. I usually buy food to contribute to a meal cooked on working days. It’s cooky.
What are you working on currently?
Please check Instagram Mylo135 Skateboard542 Myloelliott.co.uk
This work is a commission of sorts. I’m working with a partner who I couldn’t do this without. He’s allowing the creative process to happen. The work is a new formula, combining fine art, graffiti art and skateboarding.
