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mcbess helps Umbro search for some fresh street art talent

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

mcbess, The Mill resident director, artist and all round bringer of good jokes and great ideas has been busily painting for Umbro and Footlocker on "Secret Walls". Together with top artists RIFF, ALPHA and Conzo they collaborated on a giant wall poster that Londoners can currently see if they choose to look up whilst walking along Old Street.

The art kicks off a competition led by Umbro to search for the best new street artists in Europe. The top four selected street art supremos are awarded one on one mentoring with each of the artists, with mcbess being paired up to one of them. I caught up with him to learn more about the process...

How did you hear about the project and why did you want to get involved?
I was approached by Secret Walls who are organizing the whole thing, I wanted to get involved because I haven't done much of this kind of work and I got to meet and work with 3 talented illustrators, also there's the competition afterwards wich should be really interesting with the all coaching thing.

Tell us about the wall art you 4 illustrators created for Umbro? How did you combine your styles?
Well we sat down and each of us work on patches that could be put together  a bit like tattoos, then we decided wich one we prefer and the fact that the all thing is in black and white helps a lot for the cohesion.

What are you looking for in an artist to mentor?
Has to be good looking and accept that everything I say is pure gold, never talk back to me and already be very skilled so I don't have much to do. Really just someone with an open mind.

Who's your current favourite street artist?
Well I've always been a fan of Flying Fortress and Kid Acne, right now I really enjoy the work of Nychos and the Lowbros.

What do you love about street art?
I'm not a street artist so it's another completely different world to me, which makes it very intriguing, the techniques and the mood when you're out there, it's brilliant.

Later this month, mentoring complete, the 4 winners will take part in a heated live art battle as mcbess watches on and roots for his mentee. Watch this space (wall?) for more..

All photos c/o Patricia Karallis