Street Art We Love: Hoxxoh

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr IMAGES Willa Friedman, Diana Larrea, Sal Rodriguez

Miami-based street artist Douglas Hoekzema (a.k.a. Hoxxoh) chats to us about his mesmerising murals.

How did you start painting murals?

I started painting murals in high school with my graffiti crew MSG “Miami Style Graffiti”. My first painting was a 12ft x 12ft mural in the courtyard of my high school art class and since then large-scale works have been a focus in my work.

Where do you get your inspiration from for your “portals”?

My inspiration for what I paint is either process driven or motivated by technique. It began with pushing the capabilities of aerosol spray paint and discovering an arc-shaped mark. The can of spray paint shoots paint out in the shape of a cone and my technique utilises half the cone of paint. I have developed several patterns and compositions with this technique – currently it’s a portal, vortex, worm hole, gateway, star gate…

How long does a piece usually take and what is the planning that goes into making one?

I work quickly because of the medium but about 2 – 5 days, depending on the size of the mural. I’m about to start a mural that will take about a month to complete since it is over 200ft x 100ft.

Do you have a particular favourite piece?

I really like the mural that I did in Washington DC for Powwow. 

Have you ever done any collabs?

Yes. I have collaborated with Fintan McGee, Never2501, Michael Vasquez, Johnny Robles and Brandon Opalka. I really enjoy collaborations and their potential for new possibilities.  

Describe your work in three words.

Innovative. Fractal. Vibrations.

Do you have any exciting future plans?

This year I will be working on my largest mural ever – and there are plans for many more.   

Follow Hoxxoh on Instagram or check out his website here.