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Scratching the Surface: Hiss


July 21, 2015 | Aymann Ismail

ANIMAL showcases a different street artist regularly in our feature, Scratching the Surface. This week, we profile Hiss.

Name/Alias:
Hiss

Decade you were born in:
Child of the 90’s.

City you currently live:
Queens.

Drugs or natural highs?
Ha. I’ve been asked quite a few times if my art is inspired by acid or being on other drugs. The answer is no! I am just naturally high with terrible anxiety that expresses itself like this on paper!

How did you get your name?
Welp, I am practically a cat so it just seemed natural. The “xx” on instagram is because “Hiss” was taken.

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Why do what you do?
I’ve been drawing since I was little. Growing up I always loved graffiti and street art and wanted to do it, so then one day I went out and did it. That’s it really.

How does your mother feel about your art?
She is supportive, but asks why can’t I draw pretty things.

Are you making a living off your art? How’s that working out so far?
No. One of the reasons I started doing street art is to share my art with people for free. I’ve never tried to make a living off of my art, but I am super grateful every time somebody chooses to support me by purchasing something!

Fuck the art world or embrace the art world?
Honestly, I don’t know enough about the art world to care one way or another.

Do you bring your smart phone into the bathroom with you? Why?
No? I mean sometimes? If my phone happens to be next to me I would probably bring it but I like not carrying my phone around so yeah. Also my phone is usually dead because the charge doesn’t hold. Don’t buy an iphone off of eBay kids.

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Do you ever feel like giving up?
Every day! I am constantly overthinking things and deconstructing thoughts to the point where everything seems meaningless and confusing. Sometimes I am like…why am I even doing this? I have weeks were I can’t draw anything and don’t consider myself an artist and feel like a failure. But these feelings don’t last forever and I always go back to creating.

Suggest an artist to follow.
My girls Miishab, Imamaker, and Jcorp. Also if you like hip-hop check out my other family at We are the Karma Kids.