With the local art scene constantly going under public scrutiny, it has always been Nookmag’s mission to seek out inspiring creative individuals, who have been keeping the art scene vibrant and alive.
In this edition of Conversation, we direct the spotlight on Asri Scola – a versatile urban artist who possesses a quirky obsession with teleporting. No, Asri does not own a teleporting machine, though we are pretty sure that the ability to teleport would be his ideal super power if he had a choice. Rather, teleporting represents his desire for freedom to go places to do the one thing he loves – create art.
As part of the Conversation feature, Asri was tasked to imprint his flair on a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor and he sure created one hell of an artwork. Infusing the Chucks with a mix of intense colours, he gave the sneakers a raw and edgy vibe that stands in line with one of Converse’s campaign catchphrases – ‘Shoes Buy Art. Sneaker Create It’.
Nookmag (N): Hey Asri, help us to get to know you better. What’s your style as an artist?
Asri Scola (AS): I try not to classify my work into one particular style, as I’m constantly on the move to deviate and make it progressive from time to time while still maintaining the essence of my style. Those who are familiar with my works know that I pay more attention to the usage of colours and intricate line movement. If I were to name my style, I would call it Psychedelic Wildstyle. Haha.
N: As an artist, how critical are you about art?
AS: I appreciate the phenomenal attention to detail, which produces works that stands in a class of its own.
N: Which 3 words best describe you?
AS: Teleporter. Psychedelic. Versatile.
N: Writers suffer from the occasional writer’s block, do you experience creative block? How do you deal with it?
AS: Haha! Yes. In return, I would block them out and have a sip of tea or coffee. If it gets real frustrating, I’d just dial the numbers in my phone and hang out with my friends to unwind.
N: What keeps you inspired and creative?
AS: Sometimes, it’s the common interests that arise during conversations with friends, colleagues, sidekicks and other ‘teleporters’. The more questions I ask, the more it motivates me to search in that direction. Music also helps in a way, with the melodious tunes and lyrics.
N: I understand that you like to explore different forms of art. What do you like to be best known for and why?
AS: I think I am not the only one, as I have seen other artists expressing their works in different channels. Since 2001, I have been doing graffiti art underground and for exhibitions, commissioned works, collaborations and I’m still rocking it. Along the way, I explore different mediums and art disciplines and they play a part in making me grow as an artist. So there’s always that mixture of bits and pieces that are incorporated into my style. I would still call myself a graffiti artist as the medium allows me to express more fluently in projects and practices.
N: Any quirky habits to share with us?
AS: I have not found a cure for this habit, it’s a love-hate relationship. Along the way, I try to find a solution and give this habit a chance. It’s the art of procrastination. I tend to work better when the deadline is haunting me and my focus mode switches on when it’s almost time to deliver.
Sometimes I like to blabber thoughts in my head and doodle them on paper whether it makes sense or not, or write down selective lyrics from different songs and make it into my own story.
N: How do you like your Converse Chucks?
AS: I like my Chucks to have a vintage and raw look with minimal colours. Will be great if I can do one of my trademarks as a limited edition for Converse.
N: And what do you fancy about Converse sneakers in general?
AS: They ‘teleport’ me to places with ease!
Proving the versatility of the Converse Chucks with his creative genius, Asri looks forward to more ‘teleporting adventures’ ahead, especially with his crew ARTXPOSE (follow @artxpose_sg on Instagram). And speaking about adventures, the Chucks are given a thorough make-over to celebrate summer in an adventurous spirit.
One highlight of the Converse summer range is the Chuck Taylor All Star Washed Neon that comes in high cut, low cut and Gladiator styles. Retailing from SGD69.90 to SGD75.90, this range is available at all Converse stores.
Conversation seeks out inspiring individuals who possess a creative spirit and brim with passion. It offers an insight into the lives of these individuals and the things that drives them. This edition is proudly sponsored by Converse.
Photos by Sulhan S
