Concrete Playground Meets Street Artist Xoe Hall
If it wasn't for my David Bowie records, my amazing goth baby sitter and lots of time in my wild imagination I believe things would have turned out rather differently.
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Xoë Hall is an artist based in Wellington. Dabbling with a diverse range of mediums, from glitter to leather to paint. Xoë's work is described as delightfully subversive and her canvas's range from anything from city walls to clothing.
Ahead of Tiger Beer's Streets of Singapore event at Dirty Little Secret on Wednesday, April 27, where she will be taking inspiration from the streets of Singapore and bringing to Wellington via a live street art installation, we had a quick chat with the street art legend on what makes her tick.
For further inspiration from Tiger Beer and information on their Streets of Singapore events, click here.
We love your work (my girlfriend has her eye on one of your hand painted bedazzled garments). But for those who don't know, could you tell us a little bit about yourself, and your art?
Firstly, thank you, that's great to know! I've always had an overwhelming compulsion to create works that get my over exaggerated dreams out of my head and into a physical form that will satisfy me. I'm actually addicted to it. About 10 or so years ago, Eyeball Kicks exhibited my first series of paintings of pin up babes, that was a door into the Welly art world for me, and I have been living in it ever since. I use all kinds of materials, and am especially fond of paint, glitter and leather. I paint murals, decorate clothing, design tees, paint canvas, illustrate and write kid's books, and create album art for friend's bands. I am also dabbling in lead lighting...yeah I do lots of stuff I suppose. I like to keep very busy! I grew up on a farm, and if it wasn't for my David Bowie records, my amazing goth baby sitter and lots of time in my wild imagination I believe things would have turned out rather differently.
Where can we find your work at the moment?
I exhibit my hand decorated garments and accessories exclusively at Hunters and Collectors on Cuba Street. You can window shop at my muralled Bus Stop Boutiques located in Aro, Berhampore and Titahi Bay. I am one of seven female Māori artists who formed the Toi Wāhine collective late last year, we have our own gallery in Porirua by the same name where we exhibit our work. I'm randomly popping up in the odd group show around the country and beyond, and have an solo exhibition at least once a year, you just got to keep your eyes peeled for them! The best way to do that is follow my Facebook artist page and my website.
You've been based around Wellington most of your life and involved in the city's vibrant underground art scene for yonks. How important is the city and it's awesome culture in creating and inspiring your work?
I love Wellington and have watched it change a lot in the 10 years that I have been immersed in it. I feel like we can make anything happen here if we really want to, we are surrounded by talented people and opportunities to be a part of making Wellington better and better all the time. I went to Europe a year or so back and got incredibly home sick for Wellys! Wellington gives me a platform to do what I love and for that I am grateful.
You love painting badass, sexy empowered women. We're curious. Are these works based on real people you've met?
Most of my earlier paintings are all bad ass big eyed babes, they are all from my imagination, I love them and the stories I gave them. I am also known to be quite the idol worshipper, and more recently I have painted many of my male and female idols.
You're creating artwork inspired by the Street's of Singapore - live at Tiger's upcoming Streets of Singapore event at Dirty Little Secret. What can we expect from this piece?
Taking inspiration from the creativity and vibrancy of Singapore's back alleys there will be lots of fun infused colour! While I'm creating the piece, there's also going to be local DJ Rooftop Crook$ on the decks and Asian inspired bites available from the Dirty Little Secret BBQ and the House of Dumplings. Looking forward to a great night out!
Awesome, and lastly, where is your go-to in Wellington to get a taste of Asia?
Chow on Tory Street is always great for a night of tasty food and yummy cocktails with friends.
Tiger Beer Streets of Singapore at Dirty Little Secret is on Wednesday April 27 from 5 till 10pm.
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