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Scratching the Surface: Tony DePew


December 2, 2014 | Aymann Ismail

ANIMAL showcases a different street artist regularly in our feature, Scratching the Surface. This week, we profile Tony DePew. His psychedelic work is unmistakable with its vibrant colors and trippy illustrative style that can be found on the streets of the city by way of hand embellished stickers, wheatpasted posters and painted gates/walls.

Name/Alias:
Tony DePew

Decade you were born in:
1970s

City you currently live:
Brooklyn

Drugs or natural highs?
A pinch of both.

How did you get your name?
My mother said she always wanted an Anthony.

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Why do what you do?
Umm, why breathe air?

How does your mother feel about your art?
Well, she has a few of my pieces hanging on her walls, if that means anything…

Are you making a living off your art? How’s that working out so far?
Let’s just say I get by.

Fuck the art world or embrace the art world?
Both, simultaneously of course!

Do you bring your smart phone into the bathroom with you? Why?
Yes. Because society has taught me to always have my phone easily accessible at all times.

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Do you ever feel like giving up?
Daily.

Suggest an artist to follow.
Spencer Tunick.