Onemizer
Cyril Valade aka Onemizer, born in 1987 in the South of France, had his first encounter with art in Africa, where he spent part of his childhood. Upon returning to France as a teenager, he discovered street art while exploring the streets of Paris, marveling at the graffiti adorning the walls of the Parisian ring road. He began painting in vacant lots, railroad yards, and disused warehouses, hidden from public view. After graduating from high school, he pursued studies in art and design but ultimately chose to educate himself. Encouraged by those close to him, he began painting on canvas as well as walls, showcasing his work in hotels, restaurants, and bars. Since then, Onemizer has made significant strides, now exhibiting in numerous international art galleries.
Onemizer's work often features bold colors and dynamic compositions, incorporating elements from popular culture, such as iconic characters, celebrities, and brand logos. His unique approach combines traditional graffiti techniques with elements of collage and fine art, resulting in a distinctive and recognizable aesthetic.
Onemizer - Color my life (2021). Acrylic , Spray paint and Marker on Canvas 205 x 205 cm.
In 2014, Onemizer, along with a crew of artists, entered the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the world's largest street art piece in Dubai. As part of a team of about a hundred artists from around the globe, they achieved the longest graffiti scroll ever recorded. More recently, he was featured in the influential Guide de l’Art Contemporain Urbain (Graffiti Art Magazine) as one of the 50 most talented artists of 2019.
He has exhibited his work in galleries and art fairs around the world, including Paris, New York, and Hong Kong. Notable events where his art has been featured include Affordable Art Fair Brussels, Urban Art Fair, Lezarts Urbains in Paris, Art Basel Miami, and Lille Art Up! Onemizer's pieces are also found in numerous private collections, and his public murals can be seen in various cities, showcasing his ability to merge street art with contemporary fine art seamlessly. His contributions to the street art scene have garnered him a significant following and recognition as a prominent figure in the contemporary art world.
Onemizer - Vanité (2021). Acrylic , Spray paint and Marker on Canvas. 135 x 94 cm.
Transforming street art for contemporary interiors: Onemizer's artistic vision
Onemizer's artistic approach is deeply rooted in his desire to bridge the gap between street art and contemporary interior spaces. He is particularly inspired by pop artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, whose works have significantly influenced his style and technique. Onemizer draws from the vibrant energy and raw expressiveness of graffiti, aiming to capture the spirit of the streets and bring it into the living room, transforming it into a refined and appreciated art form.
Onemizer - Rebirth (2022). Mixed Media on Fine Art paper (Canson Editions Etching Rag, 310 gr.). 105 x 155 cm.
His creations are a fusion of iconic art pieces, everyday life, and childhood experiences, resulting in dynamic and thought-provoking works. By incorporating elements from renowned pop artists, he infuses his pieces with bold colors, striking imagery, and a sense of cultural commentary. Onemizer's goal is to challenge the traditional perception of graffiti, showcasing it as a legitimate and celebrated form of artistic expression worthy of being displayed in galleries and private collections.
Through his work, Onemizer strives to convey the authenticity and spontaneity of street art, while also making it accessible and admired in various settings. His dream is to see the writings, drawings, and graffiti that have been his greatest sources of inspiration recognized and appreciated as a full-fledged art form, capable of evoking powerful emotions and sparking meaningful conversations.
Onemizer - Lovers (2021). Acrylic and Spray paint on Canvas. 55 x 40 cm.
Bringing street art Into NFTs: a new futuristic experience
From street graffiti to prestigious galleries, Onemizer is an artist who navigates all realms of art. In December 2021, he released his first NFT collection, "The Shining Vandalized Lugia." Collaborating with Legacy Concept Store and METATEK, this drop merged street art with NFTs. Each holder of the Lugia NFT could claim an exclusive physical artwork (70x50) and received an invitation to a private party at one of Paris's top venues. This innovative approach fused street art, community, and technology, offering a new way to experience art.
The following March, Onemizer launched his second NFT collection, and by the end of July, the third collection was released. Similar to the first collection, each NFT came with an exclusive print, edited by the renowned art publisher Lézarts Urbains, and incorporated new technology that linked the physical piece with the NFT properties directly into the smart contract's metadata. This collection also featured an animated 3D version of the NFT.
This was Onemizer's way of bringing street art into NFTs and your home. He joined forces with SECR3T for a multidimensional NFT experience. From the vivid colors of Africa's vast landscapes to the vibrant street art of Paris's urban jungle, Onemizer is an elusive artist who has taken an unconventional path to the forefront of contemporary art.
Selena Mattei
