About two months after our collab with the Swiss graffiti artist Reys, we are back with a new super limited artist collab! For this new drop, we had the privilege to collab with Eezu, who is a graffiti, sketch, and tattoo artist from Nigeria.
This time, we realized a mini capsule with a big rectangular illustration on the garments' back representing a guy who is drawing on his skin with a marker making himself a human wall. The piece is rich in small details that can be discovered by looking at it with attention. We are extremely happy with the final result and we believe that the artist did an amazing job by creating a very cool looking piece that perfectly represents the philosophy of our brand.
The artwork presents a shirtless man lacing a tourniquet around his left arm while with the right one, he is using a graffiti marker as if it is injecting himself with its ink. His body is covered in self-made tattoos created with the marker. This is the reason why we called this artwork “The Human Wall”. The injection of the ink and the self-made tattoos figuratively represents the extreme addiction to graffiti and the feeling of being a misfit.
This collab is also bringing one important novelty. We have decided to step up the hoodie to an even more premium quality than what you are used to! After extensive research, we have found a premium quality hoodie blank that we love, and we are sure you'll love it too. It feels super soft, very comfortable, and fits amazingly. Be sure to let us know your feedback!
As always, this is a super limited collab and the mini capsule will be shoppable only for one week. It is dropping on the 9th of January 2022! There will be a timer on-site, once it expires, you will never be able to shop it again. So, if you dig it, do not think twice and get you one minimum!
But now let’s meet the artist! As always we interviewed the artist asking a few questions to find out who he is, his history, inspirations, and more. Enjoy!
Who are you?
My name is Eezu, and I’m a sketch, tattoo, and graffiti artist from Lagos in Nigeria.When did you start with graffiti and art in general?
When did you start with graffiti and art in general?
I started with art as a kid. I had no formal education on art, all self taught. I remember drawing my first “beanhead” man when I was seven. It was love at first sketch (Laughs). Then, I just kept drawing and getting better. I did my first graffiti in 2009. It wasn’t easy because back then in my country, writing on any wall was considered vandalism, but It’s changed now.
Why did you start with art?
Thats a million dollar question (Laughs). I guess it’s an in-built app that came with the boy Eezu, I just feel like making art is my purpose (Laughs). It’s the only thing I wanna do.
What are your main inspirations when you create art?
Hip-hop (Rap music, fashion style and the street-life). I’ve always loved hip-hop since growing up in the 90’s as a teenager. I wanted to be a apart of it, and for me the only I could do that was with my art, I love listening to rap music when I draw.
Do you have any artists that you look up to?
I cherish every form of art and appreciate artists even if it’s not my style. Growing up, I read about a couple of street artist and their styles and they were all a great inspiration to me.
Are you a professional artist who can afford art as his only job?
Yes, I’m a professional artist. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering but gave it up to pursue my art dreams, I don’t think I would be happy doing anything else.
What are your artworks that you are the proudest of so far?
As an artist, I’ve made many works, such as custom painted kicks, denims, tattoos and so on. I cherish every piece of art that I have made. I see some of my oldies and I still love them. Though I might have made some style improvements over time but I will always cherish all my works.
What is your advice for people who want to become artists?
Art, just like every other skill out there, don’t come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and determination. You have to believe in yourself and just go for it, but always keep practicing and learning. Art is wild, there here were barely any art schools in my country nor the youtube back in the 90’s. But, I practiced everyd, collecting references from magazines (I have massive respect for The Source Magazine).
What do you think about those people that say that art is just a waste of time because it is not a job that makes money?
I actually grew up in that kinda society where everyone expected you to be a doctor, an engineer (my father's choice for me), or a lawyer, but not an artist for sure. People get wrong perceptions about an artist. I could see for myself too that usually artist weren’t the richest in the society, but that never stopped me. I just think you have to be an artist to understand how it feels being one.
What is your suggestion for people who have been told this?
Follow your heart. Some people are just jealous of your skills. My dad didn’t think art was worth it until I started taking in tattoo and custom art bookings. I was independent and working flexible hours, so don’t let anyone tell you different. Pick up that pencil or whatever suits you and go for it.
Tell us about the collab with us
You guys saw my work on instagram and contacted me about a collaboration. I couldn’t be any happier considering the fact that the brand speaks for those considered “Weird” in the society, so I felt like the brand speaks for me as well (Laughs). So, I came up with the sketch of a “Weird Graffiti Artist” who’s making himself into a human wall, it was a fun piece to create all the way!