The Roadz: Interview With Contemporary Urban Scene Artist Andrea Tyrimos

Tell us about your art: what do you do? What inspired you to start?

I’m completely in love with painting… I’d say I paint contemporary urban scenes, but in a traditional way – using only oils and brushes. I paint what’s around me. I’m not an artist who depicts dreamscapes or abstracts; I prefer to paint reality, my reality. I think my paintings can be quite gritty and raw because of this. The way I feel when I paint is what inspired me to take it further… with regards to what inspired my paintings, it’s London, my surroundings, my environment.

What exhibition did you enjoy the most?

I’d say I’ve enjoyed the #Brick project the most. Before I started this I was used to just painting in the studio all day with my lovely dog Bonnie. But when I started to paint live on the streets of London I was really pleased with the public’s response. I especially enjoy it towards the end of the painting when the #Brick piece is camouflaged into it’s surroundings and people can’t quite see it – it makes it more fun and interactive as they often tend to go on a ‘hunt’ for it!

Tell us a bit more about your current project

My debut solo show at the Curious Duke gallery is called ‘The Roadz’. It’s a combination of my urban landscapes alongside the #Brick paintings… all are new and exclusive to this show, and all are original oil paintings! I’d say it’s an exploration of the city we’re living in, the heartbeat and energy that keeps London alive. I really enjoy showing the beauty in ordinary moments, and showing London in a different way. Not the typical images of London people may tend to conjure up in their mind, the real London.

How would you describe the art scene in East London?
East London has just got a buzz, a vibe, and an energy that I think no-where else has… I’m forever appreciating and admiring what’s around me when I’m here. From street art to interior design, people’s choice in clothing to the way a plate of food has been presented, it’s all so inspiring.

What are your favourite businesses in the area?

The Hoxton Hotel is one of my favourite places to hang out – I’ve actually just finished doing a painting residency there, I created ‘The Hoxton Brick’ in the run up to the show (which will be revealed on the opening night!) I love it there because it’s a creative hub, it’s got a bit of everything. You can grab a coffee, work, check out some art, and soon will be able to play some ping pong ;)

What are your future plans?

I’m hoping to do a little residency in the gallery during the show. After that it’s just a continuation of my practice, I want to create some more #Brick paintings, should be doing a piece at the Whitecross Street Festival and other locations around London. I also have a portraiture project I will be doing which is to raise awareness of mental illness. It’s something very different to the work that people are used to seeing from me, but it’s something very close to my heart.

Social links:

Website: www.andreatyrimos.com

Twitter: @AndreaTyrimos

Instagram: @andrea_tyrimos