Music
Brushing the Surface
Exclusive interview with internationally-known urban artist Justin Bua.
Justin Bua
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool
1. Who would you love to do a live portrait of, and why?
Howard Stern because he’s always the interviewer and if I were to paint him, I think it’d be the first time, in his life, that he’d be the interviewee, by default. No talking just me capturing his amazing spirit. Howard’s voice is the background to my youth as I used to listen to him while I painted every day. Twenty years later I am still painting to his voice in the background. The other person I’d always wanted to paint was Russell Peters, fortunately I got my chance and painted him for his Notorious Comedy tour, so that’s been checked off of my bucket list!!!
2. Being a very hip-hop influenced artist what are the two main musical inspirational differences you get from the East and West coast?
West Coast is very laid back and chill in their delivery and with the mood and ambiance the music creates, therefore when I’m in a zone while painting, I like to listen to Snoop, Dr. Dre, Warren G, Nate Dogg, etc. It really creates a texture and atmosphere for me to paint to.
East coast on the other hand, is a lot more cerebral, for me. That’s what I dance to, that’s what I work out to… it has a different meaning and significance in my life because I grew up with it, therefore there’s a certain nostalgia that accompanies the East Coast genre.
381 Projects
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool
3. Was there a definitive musical moment that sparked your direction as an artist? Music video? Album cover? Song?
Yes! When I was watching “Good Times” as a little kid, they always panned across JJ’s painting in the beginning of the episode. That painting was a reflection and manifestation and celebration of urban life. It turns out that the painting was also the album cover for Marvin Gaye, painted by the artist Ernie Barnes. When I saw that painting I knew that I could really paint my world and my culture as I saw urban life painted truthfully for the very first time.
4. What inspired you to evolve away from your earlier passion of painting and illustrating primarily urban hip-hop themed pieces?
I grew up in NYC, during the birth of Hip Hop, therefore my early years were formed painting what I knew and loved so well. As I got older, my interests changed and I became obsessed and fascinated with the UFC and MMA, all the while finding new artistic inspirations from the masters to street artist to american illustrators, like Norman Rockwell. And like Rockwell, who depicts, contemporary American life, I also depict contemporary American life today, whether it’s the Break Dancer, the Jazz Musician, the DJ, or the MMA Fighter… my paintings reflect today’s heroes.
#NotoriousBua
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool
5. What is one piece of advice would you give your fans that are pursuing art because of you?
Stick with the fundamentals. People try to go the easy route, the pop art route, where they lack is the basics. Most artists I come across don’t even know how to draw. Walk before you run - you know what I mean. It’s relative to Basketball as well, where the Europeans are known for their tactics, shooting, dribbling, and team game, compared to a large number of the Americans who want to be on the highlight reel with their dunks, but forget about practicing their shot and the importance of team play.
To see his full work visit justinbua.com.
