by Julie Patrone
Hunto is an Italian Graffiti Artist based in London. Born in 1982 in Brindisi, South of Italy, he loves depicting wonderful images of love, sex and twisted bodies, which have significant cubist echoes. His works are in different cities such as London, Rome and Berlin. He describes artistic creation as a kind of spontaneous ‘urge’ he possesses since he was a child.
It was born with me.
Your works have strong cubist inspiration and your works are echoes of great artists such as Picasso and Braque. Why this stylistic choice?
It’s not a proper choice. That ‘s what I do, this is HUNTO. I do not know why. Certainly Picasso was one of the first books I flipped through the pages during my childhood. This artist has always fascinated me a lot.
Many of your works represent scenes of eros between men and women (sketches such as ‘Adam and Eve’, ‘Flirting’ or ‘Before having sex’). Why did you choose this topic?
It’s not a proper choice. When I paint I can hardly think about a specific topic, it just come out, it’s all very spontaneous and I enjoy it at the same time. Love, sex and family are my most frequent topics, but not always there is a message behind my works.
I think I unintentionally create my own muse in my paintings…
How do you usually choose the location for your pieces?
You do not always have choices, but when it is an ‘illegal’ work it is more a ‘choice’.
What city do you think is the most suitable for street artists?
I do not think there is a city particularly suitable for street art … and it depends on what you mean by “street art”. I have so many great artists that I admire in the international scene … but they are always linked to my past and they are pioneers of my hometown (Brindisi).
For up to now one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had. Perhaps it was one of the few times that I was pushed by a strong ‘inspiration’. And certainly Rebibbia prison is a place where people would never expect to see “street art” works.
What would you recommend to a young artist who wants to begin an artistic career?
Well, I guess I’m not in a position to give advices because I consider myself a young artist. I do not know what to say …Surely ‘dreaming’ helps a lot.