Hush has a unique style that will certainly last the test of time. His anime type subjects with huge eyes and cute expressions are playful, a little bit naughty, and are a visual feast for the eyes.

He is also one lucky guy with the West embracing manga and anime in a big way, Hush is in the right place at the right time to take advantage of this boom. Helen Soteriou caught-up with the endearing Mr Hush at the Urban Angels gallery in the East End of London for a quick chat.


Helen Soteriou: Who is Hush, can you tell me about your background - where you grew-up and how and when you became involved in street art?

Hush: I did a 5 year stretch at art school, graduating in graphic design and illustration. I started graffiti in the late 80s and lots of underground art scenes over the years. I also worked as a designer / art director in the arts and for some big brand toy companies.

How did you come-up with the name Hush?

I always wanted to keep it quiet (wink).


How would you describe your style?

Contemporary Art.


A lot of your pieces centre on a female anime type character. Tell me about this - were you into manga and anime growing-up?

Everyone always presumes I’m into that whole scene, I like the style and all the pop imagery around that, but I suppose I was first introduced to the style from ‘The Designers Republic’ who were a few guys who did the Red Hot Chilli Peppers albums back in the 90s.

My time working and travelling round Asia also made a huge impression on me and influenced my work a lot. The idea behind using the manga style girls was always and still is just a contemporary use of showing the female form, as a reference to the use of the female form throughout art history.

Your images focus on fantasy and the unattainable form - do women understand and like your art?

I always try to show women as beautiful and powerful, and yes, women understand and generally do like the work.

Do you have a 'type' of buyer?

Yes, dirty old men (wink).

If somebody likes your work and feels like they want to talk to you, they will get in contact. I will always make an effort to speak to those people, but they are not necessarily the people who buy your work, they might just love your work and that’s it. As far as knowing my buyers, I think a lot of serious art collectors don’t necessarily want people to know what they are buying.


You are currently preparing for a galley show. What can people expect to see?

A lot of paintings.


When and how did you start exhibiting in galleries and what advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?

It was a natural progression. I studied at Art School for 5 years, graduated in design & illustration and worked commercially for years but always made art.

I showed in small pop-up shows in Europe and the States, interest in my work started to pick-up and group shows and two man shows were offered, eventually turning into solo shows. It has been a long journey but a natural one.

Just stay true to your work.

Part 2 of this interview with Hush is online HERE.

In the meantime, more on Hush can be found at www.studio-hush.com