We wanted to focus on some of the artists about to take part in this years Femme Fierce. Joyce Treasure, Mish Chang, Candy Lo, AR, Karis Knight and Artista all have their own unique styles. From lettering to abstract. From Manga to Toast. This collection of artists are a representation of the diversity of the street art scene in London.
Mish Chang – www.mishxmish.com
A self confessed typography geek, Mish move to London a few years ago from Singapore. “A friend brought me spray painting about one and a half years ago. I fell madly in love with it!” she said explaining how she started with the art form. Today she’s painting her name ‘Mish’ big and bold on the walls of the tunnel. Her recollections of last year? “It was like electricity, you could feel it” she exclaims
“I remember being told as a young girl. There were activities and hobbies I should do and some that I shouldn’t as they weren’t ladylike or were more boy’s activities” she says. “I was always one to go against the grain and challenge what a girl can or cannot do. Femme Fierce gives ladies of all ages and background a platform to show their creativity. This with no restrictions in an often male dominated art space. What better way to show girl power and to raise awareness for our chosen charity – Because I am a girl.”
Joyce Treasure – www.joycetreasure.co.uk
Sydenham based artist Joyce Treasure is a mixed and multi media artist. On the street she has a penchant for painting hummingbirds and double headed ladies. She says “at the heart of my practice is an interest in human behaviour. Relationships, how we communicate, social issues and our relationship with identities and how these correspond with the source of our being.”
Speaking in the tunnel she spoke of the importance of an event such as this. She said “I think it’s important to give a platform to female street artists. It gives a nice sense of community. Coming together and team spirit and all the vibe that you get when you collaborate with other artists. It gives you a sense of belonging and of being a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Candy Lo – www.uncandy.co.uk
The recent winner of the Secret Walls event in London, Candy Lo is an artist inspired by Manga cartoons. Something, she says, which has always been a big part of her life. The event for her last year was a chance to get involved. That was after turning up to see what all the fuss was about on the day. She turned up, picked up a few cans and decided to get involved.
“The good thing about this event” she says, “is that there was such a diverse amount of people coming through. There were families with young kids just coming down. Looking at the art, it was super friendly and just a real good vibe”.
AR – www.annarewinska.com
Originally from Poland but now plying her trade in India. AR is an artist who has gone from strength to strength since Femme Fierce. What’s more she also featured in an Inspiring City interview. She had painted one of the sheds in the now disappeared Camden Lock Market. More normally an illustrator, it was the first time she had painted a large scale mural using a spray can. “It gives the possibility of really quick development. Also leaving a mark everywhere you go” she said “Since March I’ve done so many pieces and met so many people. It’s just such a good opportunity to bring all of the girls together”.
Karis Knight – www.karisknight.com
For Karis, last years event represented the first time she had painted together with a large group of other female artists. An abstract painter, she has been honing her skills with the spray can. Like many others she relished the chance to form relationships and discover who’s who. “There were a lot of pieces that I had seen recently. I genuinely thought that they had been painted by a male not a female” explains Karis. “It was really interesting seeing all these signature street art pieces around that were actually done by a female and it was quite refreshing.” To read more about the work of Karis Knight check out this article here.
Artista – www.itsartista.co.uk
We featured Artista during the run up to last years Femme Fierce and we do so again happily here. The muralist has gone from strength to strength. During a 2014 that saw her break out of the London art scene and onto the world stage. She painted around Europe and at the exclusive Art Basel event in Miami. Hers is a style which is instantly appreciated by all who see it. Needless to say her ‘flying toasts’ have become one of the most recognisable tags around.
Femme Fierce: Reloaded will take place in the Leake Street Tunnel on 8 March 2015, International Womens Day. Money for the event was raised via Kickstarter and the murals on the day will be painted in support of Plan UK’s ‘Because I’m a Girl‘ campaign.
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