Black Koki is an incredible illustrator, street artist, designer and all round super creative artist from Love and Hate Studio in Cape Town. He has curated some amazing shows, exhibited intensively both in South Africa and internationally, published numerous zines and publications and continues to churn out great art and good vibes. We caught up with him to talk about his new Verb designs and what inspires him…

Name: black koki
Hometown: cape town
Favourite colour: black

What was your inspiration or the idea behind your Verb design?
Skate or die!

Could you briefly explain the process you went through in creating this work?
Drink, eat, smoke, think, sleep, pencil, pen, computer.

What music were you listening to while you were creating your graphics for the Verb range?
Bob Dylan.

Did you have any formal art education, or are you self-taught?
Both.

What sort of full-time work do you do currently? Are there any other projects you’re involved with at the moment?
Been working for love and hate studio since 2004, we are working on list of new products and have some awesome projects coming up!

What sorts of mediums do you work in and what do you enjoy about it?
Pen and ink on paper , paint on canvas , wood and walls , silkscreen on paper and material , koki on anything i can find , mixed media and finally iMac! Freedom of expression.

Do you do anything else for fun other than making art?
listen to music , take photos , chill with friends , drive, travel , listen to music , watch band , read, surf the internet , nature / beach missions , watch sunset , 2nd hand shopping , play pool , drink beer , sleep.

Who are some of the artist’s whose work you enjoy or take inspiration from?
My mother , 351073 , elbowgrease , asha zero , louis minnaar , marcel waldeck , lorcan white , zander blom , riaan hugo , lionel smit , senyol , faith 47 , bison , joh del , one horse town , jordan metcalfe , freddy sam , michael tymbios , bruce mackay , bitterkomix , keith haring , picasso , ll cool yo , edzumba , tatone , blastus , jean special , remed , bue the warrior etc etc etc

How do you feel about being an artist living and working in South Africa?
It’s awesome ! There is a lot to be done , Some super talented artists doing rad work.

Do you have any plans for 2010 such as art shows, travels or new styles to explore?
Busy preparing for 2 shows : the first on the 15th of april in cape town and the other me and 351073 along with some other great artists have been invited to work on a show on South African contemporary pop and street art in Eindhoven , the Netherlands on the 21st May , cant wait !

Do you have any websites or blogs that people interested in your work should check out?

www.flickr.com/photos/black_koki

www.flickr.com/photos/love-and-hate

Tags: Art, Black Koki, Design, Verb
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