TOXIK

Inspirational Freedom

Egyptian Graffiti Artist Shaheen, also known as Toxik, started his own studio, Kraks Kustoms, in 2017. Painting on cars, vintage bikes and, of course, all sorts of urban surfaces, Toxik is taking his artform to a whole new level.

What got you interested in graffiti art? How did it all start?

Cairo is a busy city full of artists more than the art itself. The influence I got growing up in Cairo was more from the artists living here. The diversity of the city and meeting lots of different people definitely helped me get inspired.

How has your experience living in Cairo influenced your artistic process?

My main influence was playing video games like GTA. used to pause and copy the graffiti pieces I found.

Talk to us about the art scene in Cairo. How has it evolved? Did that affect your work?

The art scene in Cairo was a bit hidden until the hip-hop culture started growing, it uplifted the art of graffiti and helped it evolve.

You have collaborated with several artists, designers and brands. What was your favorite collaboration thus far, and why?

I worked with a graffiti artist called Njoy from Portugal on a graffiti piece in Bali, Indonesia, Ii also had a collaboration with Mohamed Ramadan where I customized his outfits for a Tik Tok music video with Super Sako. And I worked with designers like Bosaina Ali on a project with Mohamed Ramadan and Zeyad El-Ghorab on a collection for BEINDIE. Some of the brands I’ve worked with are Redbull, Spotify and Adidas. Redbull was my favorite, because they definitely challenge me and push me to the limits and that’s what I like the most.

How do you research a piece before executing it? What happens before your artwork comes to life?

Before I get into any work I make sure that try to expose myself to new experiences and meet with different people to open my mind to new ideas.

Spray paint seems to be your go-to medium, why is that?

find myself more comfortable spraying than hitting the surface paint on.

What message are you trying to convey through your work?

don’t believe in delivering messages, because for me believe that everyone has his own freedom of speech. Instead, believe in giving energy.

What is your favorite spot that you’ve painted at?

Outside of Egypt, Tropica Festival in Bali, inside of Egypt, my favorite spot would be the Maadi Town Mafia Studio.

What would you say is the role of the people, or the audience, in your work?

We exchange energy, and energy is definitely my motivation to keep getting better.

If you could create a graffiti piece for a celebrity (dead or alive) who would you choose?

Travis Barker.

What music are you playing when you are painting?

Definitely playing drill music and punk rock.

What advice would you give aspiring graffiti artists who would like to put their work out there?

Try to find your own style and own identity.