This brilliant man was born in Mauritius in the year 1967. His days as a child were spent exploring the Indian ocean before eventually relocating to the UK in 1976. Heavily influenced by the culture he was exposed to in the 80s, the young boy spent his time diving through comic books and sci-fi stories. He claims to draw for as long as he can remember. This only speaks of his exceptional talent.
Mode 2 has taken the art world by storm, drawing his inspiration from the hip-hop culture which was close to his heart. He says “After my school exams in summer ‘84, I started hanging out in Covent Garden, the hub of the London Hip Hop scene, which I had discovered the year before, walking through it with my mother and the younger of my older brothers. My drawing ability led me to pick up the marker and spray-can, doing anything from painting banners for the “Alternative Arts” center, or customizing the trousers or jackets of some of the other people hanging out with me, whether they were dancers or Mc’s”
He has written his name among the greats like his partners’ Eskimo, Zaki, Scribla, and last but not least forming Chrome Angelz. The forerunners of the British graffiti circle recognize his work in street art inspired movement. For more info you can check out his latest tales on his blog.
His Artwork
His motto to empty every paint can as beautifully as he can has followed him all through his art life. Understanding rhythm and movement are the hints given to understand his artistic way. Mode 2 uses the fluidity of the movement in dancing to emit some good vibes from his projects.
He has enjoyed residence at the emporium Coco de Mer. During his residency, he refined an offshoot style where he mixes graffiti art and variables of traditional portraits. He says that he cannot put his art in a box and refuses to categorize or define his art.
Taking leave days from school, Mode 2 used to travel to Paris to get commissioned jobs. He rubbed shoulders with the famous Bando. He became part and parcel of the first generation of graffiti writers who were based in Europe. Their environment was soaked in inspiration for them to take in and create amazing artwork.
As an artist, he employs a harmonious contrast to make his objects come alive. He loves painting about situations everyone faces like lust, love. And sexual promiscuity. He uses his style in such a way that it has no proper posturing or obvious antagonism. This turn of events landed him on the cover of” Spraycan Art “back in 1987 and the exposure took him to a new level in his career.
His passion for soaking his surroundings brought him a close working relationship with the compact camera. He took photos of what captures his eye. Some of his photographs were however used in a book that was printed by Lazarides Gallery located in London. This was the beginning of “Toxic” Paris parties in 2004.
Because of his love for hip hop, she designs banners for the” battle of the year” even though he is still one of the competition’s committee. Lately, he has gotten opportunity to display his prints at the Galarie Issue in Paris, France. This event is to socialize people with digital applications.
The year 1996 was a good year for Mode 2. He met Swiftly who hosted a show and this changed his life yet again. He opened doors making flyer illustrations for various companies both locally and internationally. Till today he still enjoys making presentations once in a while.
Although his artwork shows an obsession with the female form, he insists that he tries not to have preferences while making art. Even while painting of harsh realities, Mode two tries to breathe a little positivity into the wood work.
He also hints of how he got his success. He is heard saying”Still, when looking back over the years, what had helped me to really make my name was what many would call graffiti, though it was actually called “writing”, by those who practiced it and made it evolve.” He encourages young artists to let creativity flow and to avoid tags.
Mode 2 has been around the art scene to see it morph into what it is today. He has already put his name in the hall of fame. We salute his hard work and his inspiring history as he has gained millions of loyal fans all over the world.
He lives us saying “We, in the meantime, despite the plague of communication technology, will continue to evolve and refine what we do, choosing where and when we wish to reach out to the public and give from what makes us feel alive.”
