Splashes of bold reds, yellows, and blues leap from Miguel H. Cuar’s canvases. In his southeast London studio, comic book energy collides with abstract freedom. His art is immediate, colourful and charged with feeling.
Artist Info
Artist: Miguel H. Cuar
Nationality: Spanish
Based in: Southeast London
Style: Graffiti roots fused with comic book and abstract influences
Focus: Colour psychology, freedom and personal reflection
Instagram: @h.cu4r
From Hidden Talent to Full-Time Artist
Speaking to Inspiring City, Miguel confesses that he didn’t always see himself as an artist. His turning point came after redundancy from a graphic design job. Instead of a setback, it felt like an opportunity. “Life was saying to me, forget about this graphic design thing. Start your own thing. Focus on what you’ve been doing the past year and a half. And that’s what I did.”
Graffiti Roots and the Freedom to Create
Miguel’s artistic roots stem from his time growing up in Spain. In particular, painting graffiti in abandoned spaces with friends. It was more than paint on walls; it was freedom. “That was a really positive impact in my life,” he says. “We were at peace for some time in a place where nobody messed with us. All teenagers should have a space like that, a space of just, freedom.” For Miguel, graffiti was therapy, an outlet that shaped both his art and his sense of self.
Interview with Miguel H. Cuar
Interview with Miguel H. Cuar
From the Streets to the Studio
Graffiti gave Miguel his foundation, but his style evolved in the studio. “When I paint graffiti, that’s what I do for myself. That’s a selfish act of painting, if that makes sense. But when I paint a mural, I’m looking to communicate something across the title and the picture.” His process is deliberate. Ideas become sketches, then digital compositions, and finally, they move to canvas.
The Power and Psychology of Colour
Colour is always central to Miguel’s vision and that much is obvious from seeing his work. Limiting himself to just 12 colours, he works much like he did with the crayon sets of childhood. “Colour, for me, is a really important thing, because it’s really obvious that there’s a psychology behind colour. Red, yellow, different colours will influence you in different ways.” By keeping the palette simple, he can focus more on emotion and composition.
Art as Reflection and Connection
His art is personal, but it reaches beyond himself. “The stuff that I paint is not only for me, but for everybody,” he explains. His work often emerging from moments of doubt or reflection, yet he takes joy when others connect with it.
“One of the best things that happens to me is when people see my work, read the title, and it clicks with them.”
Changing Influences and the Joy of Creation
Miguel’s influences have shifted with time. Early graffiti scenes shaped him, while childhood pop culture in Spain still echoes through his imagery. What remains constant is his love of painting.
“If you find that sweet spot where you are happy with what you’re doing, and you’re helping somebody else, and you’re getting the money, you should stay there.”
In the Flow: The Artist at Work
For Miguel, painting is immersive and therapeutic. “Once I get into the studio and close the door, I’m kind of already in that flow state… everything stops.” Whether accompanied by music or podcasts, he loses himself in the process, painting for hours without noticing time.
Art That Makes You Think
At its heart, Miguel’s art is about more than colour and form. It is about sparking dialogue, inspiring thought, and sometimes just making someone smile. “If my work opens a dialogue inside you, that’s enough for me. That means I’ve done my job.”
For more Inspiring City articles you will like, take a look at…
- Interview with graffiti artist Tizer
- Born in Pink – An interview with Vane MG
- Street Artists show support for Spanish Rapper Pablo Hasel
- An interview with Anonymous Artist DNZ
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