The bald-headed, long-faced, droopy-nosed, mustached character drawn by renowned Japanese graffiti artist ESOW is a familiar site in downtown Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Now he’s coming to Taipei.
ESOW, who like Britain’s Banksy keeps his true identity secret, and friends will invade The Base in Taipei this weekend, with activities including a bike race, art exhibition, live painting session by ESOW, and Japanese street food and drinks. The graffiti artist says he wants to show the people of Taiwan what his life at home is like.
Aged 11, ESOW took up surfing, then skateboarding.
Photo Courtesy of The Base
“At the time, the graphics on surfboards were logo decals on plain white or pastel colored boards, but the graphics on the skateboards were more punk,” ESOW said in an e-mail interview. “That instantly fascinated me.”
He became interested in hip-hop culture and was soon wielding spray paint cans.
“I especially liked the graphics and the riders from the skateboard company Dogtown,” ESOW said. “I started drawing and tagging on the decks of skateboards because the riders on Dogtown were doing the same thing.”
Photo Courtesy of The Base
Later he gave up skateboarding to take up biking, which also influenced his art.
“I simply want people to enjoy my art,” ESOW said. “I am happy when people I don’t know like my art. Also, looking at girls liking my art makes me happy.”
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