A painter but above all a reporter, multi-talented street artist Seth draws inspiration from his travels to transcribe the poetry of his street adventures. Artistik Rezo takes us to meet him.
When and how was "Seth" born, and why did you choose this nickname?
I started out in the graffiti scene in the 90s. I chose "Seth" because I felt the name had a universal connotation. It's found in many cultures, as the Egyptian god, or the central character of the Bible. The name "Seth" is also pronounced like the number 7 in French, my lucky number.
How did you get into street art? And why painting in particular?
I come from a graffiti background, and I was observing the development of street art. I traveled to Latin America, where I discovered the social dimension of painting in public spaces. It was with this in mind that I continued to paint in the street.
Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
Like everyone else, I have many influences. My travels, my encounters with artists and craftsmen whom I admire around the world have inspired me a great deal. My style is the fruit of years of travel, sharing and discovery, which ultimately led me to discover myself and to do what I do today. I hope that the road is not over and that I will continue to evolve my style.
Why don't you show your characters' faces most of the time? What message do youto convey?
I want to open doors. I want those who discover my paintings to ask questions, to identify themselves (hence the absence of faces), to wonder about the meaning of my paintings and to give them their own interpretation. My paintings always have a more or less hidden meaning, but it's up to everyone to make it their own (or not).
How do you operate? Are the walls chosen at random, or is the site an extension of the work?
I like to play with the place where I express myself. The wall is as important as the painting. The context and the painting dialogue and respond to each other.
What reactions do you want your work to provoke?
I want viewers to wonder about my paintings. I don't want them to think "Oh, how well it's done", but "What does it mean? Everyone can make my paintings their own, and interpret them in their own way. That's what poetry is all about.
You work all over the world. What's your favorite street art destination?
I don't have a favorite destination; each trip brings me a new set of discoveries. I like to be guided by chance.
And which country has made you the richest?
When it comes to urban painting, it's Brazil in the early 2000s. There were paintings all over the streets and an incredible urban art scene, from tagging to monumental frescoes.
How would you describe today's society, and how would you like to see it evolve?
Frankly, I don't know. I prefer to turn away from these issues, even though I follow the news very closely. I have my own opinions on the subject, but I prefer not to share them. My work is about imagination and creativity.
Interview by Zoé Lunven
Find Seth on his Instagram, here.