Hunto was born in 1982, in Brindisi, South Italy and found his passion for art at a very early age. Inspired by Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest and influential artists of the modern era, and combined with the magnetic attraction of the graffiti scene, Hunto, has developed an unmistakable style, full of colour, bold shapes and movement. Hunto’s pieces are an on going exploration of the intertwined themes of eroticism and human relationships. With its wry take on the Cubist visual language, Hunto’s work breathes new life into one of the most important artistic movements of all time. GraffitiStreet caught up with cubist street artist Hunto and look back to his graffitiing days. Check it out…

Hunto Photo © Alex Stanhope

GraffitiStreet

What year did you start to get involved within the graffiti scene?

Hunto

I started graffitiing around 1997. In those years I was into Hip Hop and breakdancing. I’d been in love with drawing since God created me and the thought about using spray cans was cool for me at that time. The first cans were taken from shops, I didn’t have much money to get them and I only had chance to use one or two colours. I did my early tags with my old friend “Phen”. He was from the same neighbourhood and he started using spray before me. After that I meet “WANY”. He was the “king” in my city. Being with him has helped. He introduced me into the scene and graffiti the proper way.

Hunto, Phen and WANY in Italy 2013

GraffitiStreet

What was your first experience with a spray can?

Hunto

My first experience wasn’t easy technically, but was so exciting. Find the spot, go back at night, jump, run… All this to try and see my name in many places made by myself. Of course it wasn’t only walls. With time I moved onto something else…  It is different to see your own piece travel. That is when I started to be happy.

GraffitiStreet

Where and What did you spray?

Hunto

No answer

GraffitiStreet

At what age did you really start to develop your style? When did the Hunto style that we know and love develop?

Hunto

At the beginnings I was just writing my name. It was simple lettering, I wasn’t a good wild style graffiti writer like my friends. My background was bombing mostly. Im not sure when I started to move into characters… I think since 1999 or 2000. I started to replace my tag by drawing one quick character.
Then I started to paint just faces,  I wanted my characters more simplified so as to be able to paint in the dark quickly. That is what my current style reflected.

Hunto

GraffitiStreet

What influenced your style?

Hunto

Picasso was for sure one of my first influences. It was the only book I had in my house and it was the only one I could read and observe during the day. My characters started to change after reading so much Picasso. I was into kind of cubism. After that artists like Basquiat started to inspire me in some way.

Hunto,

GraffitiStreet

If you had to define your style, how would you call it and how could you describe it best?

Hunto

I don’t honestly know. Still today I don’t think I could define my style. I’m ignorant talking about art.

GraffitiStreet

We noticed you like to take your art to the high/heaven spots why?

Hunto

No answer

GraffitiStreet

How has your work evolved throughout the years ?

Hunto

Over the years I have moved onto canvas, I have naturally evolved with new influences.  Litchenstein has influenced the way I fill some spaces in my artwork.

HUNTO Untitled Canvas

HUNTO Untitled Canvas

GraffitiStreet

What made you decide to come to London?

Hunto

The reason why I moved to London wasn’t for art. Until now I never moved to another place for paintings. At that time art was in secondary position compared to now, I let myself drag from other good things. Let’s say I moved for the things that can inspire my art.

GraffitiStreet

What does London have to offer to the graffiti/street art movement?

Hunto

All depends on the artist and the type of art… for sure London is a big thing.

GraffitiStreet

Street art vs. graffiti. What’s the difference in your eyes?

Hunto

I’m not the person who likes speaking about this difference. I respect any form if is interesting.
Personally I come from Graffiti background and I feel very confident.

GraffitiStreet

Out of everywhere you’ve been, which city was the most fun/exciting to paint?

Hunto

Well…My city first Brindisi, South Italy. Then London for the interest the public have put into it… but also Louisiana (USA) inspired me so much. I loved painting there… and I love the sunshine in general.

Hunto

GraffitiStreet

You were invited to Baton Rouge last year, what did you bring back from the experience? 

Hunto

Baton Rouge was fantastic. It was real ‘Southern’ hospitality! I felt I was at home, I met up with some big artists and made good friends.
Big Up to the “Museum Of Public Art!”

GraffitiStreet

What has been your biggest mural to date and how long did it take?

Hunto

I don’t know really. I don’t really care much about size. I usually paint quickly. I don’t like to spend too much time on one the wall… if there is no need.

GraffitiStreet

You have done lots of collabs , Any street artist on your wish list?

Hunto

The important thing for me is the fun first. Collaboration for me means an understanding.

Hunto and Millo

GraffitiStreet

What is the message from your art?

Hunto

Some times there is no message. I just draw in freestyle and what happens to come out i’m happy with. Most of the time I represent people, faces, the naked body.
Maybe my message is the pleasure of sex, the beauty of the female form and their energy.
I try to keep my art as happy or “passionate”.

Hunto says

GraffitiStreet

What is next on the cards?

Hunto

I don’t usually plan things. I’ll maybe work on something for my next solo show if I feel I can have something to show.

GraffitiStreet

What does Hunto say?

Hunto

… let’s your eyes follow the moves.

Hunto

We were stoked to see the new works on wood by cubist Hunto at our ‘Underground’ Group Show on 2nd July 2015. For all of Hunto artworks click here and for all new works from the GraffitiStreet ‘Underground’ group show check out the PDF.

Photos courtesy of Hunto

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