Artist Catch-up: Vexx

We manage to catch world-renowned artist Vince Okerman, also known as Vexx, amidst his packed schedule for a quick catch-up! Let's hop into our exclusive interview.

First off, could you tell us a little more about your background?

I’m Vexx, I’m a 25 years old self-taught artist based in Brussels. My work is filled with a recognizable cast of vibrant doodles inspired by childhood influences, art history and pop culture. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with brands like Porsche, Gucci, Puma, Google, Samsung, Nickelodeon, … And have my work exhibited in museums all over the world.

Photo: Vexx

 

We’re so amazed by the creative and fun work you’ve put out over the years. What initially inspired you to pursue art, and how has your journey unfolded since then?

I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but when I turned 16 I decided to take it more seriously and gave myself the task of finishing 1 artwork every single day. That was also around the time I started my Instagram page and shortly after also my YouTube channel. As a 16 year old going from 0 followers to 2000 followers in the span of a couple months is mind-blowing. I would spend all my free time on making art and sharing it online. It turned into this crazy journey that I’ve been on for the past almost 10 years (I’m turning 26 later this year)! My object over this whole period has always been to improve my art, and you can still scroll all the way back to 2014 on my Instagram to see my entire evolution as an artist.

 

Can you describe your unique art style and the techniques you often incorporate into your work?

My art style is called ‘Doodle Art’, it originates from those doodles you sketch in the side of your notebook at school while your mind wanders off. I’ve taken those doodles and expanded that dream world into a colorful mix of imaginary creatures, pop culture characters, and anything in between. I love to use vibrant colors to create my imaginative dream-like artworks. I use a variety of mediums for my art: I started out in my sketchbook, worked my way up to painting canvases, but I also do street art all around the world.

 

Your artwork is just so vibrant with splashes of color that come together so beautifully! How has your artistic style evolved over the years, and what influences have played a significant role in shaping it?

When I first started doodling 10 years ago, I actually only did black and white drawings. Only after a couple months of doodling I started to add color and never looked back. Now it has become my favorite part of the process. I’m definitely influenced by some of my favorite artists KAWS, Murakami, James Jean, Mr., Condo, Yoshitomo Nara, … I love studying their compositions, color schemes, … And besides that I love taking inspiration from some of my favorite cartoons like Spongebob Squarepants, Adventure Time, The Fairly OddParents,...

 

Could you share some memorable collaborations or projects you've worked on in the past that have left a lasting impact on your artistic journey?

My collaboration with Porsche has probably been my most memorable project to date. I designed and painted the Porsche Vision GT, a 1 of 1 concept car, and it has been traveling the world ever since. Its most recent stop was Singapore right next to the Rain Vortex, the world's largest indoor waterfall. The building is incredibly beautiful and tens of thousands of visitors see it everyday. The Porsche Vision GT Vexx has also been in the Porsche Museum, in the Petersen Museum in LA, at SXSW in Austin, and in Autoworld in my hometown Brussels. The Vexx car is also a playable skin in Gran Turismo. So many people still discover my art through this car, so I’m eternally grateful to Porsche for collaborating with me.

 

We’re excited to share with the world your first collaboration with us and Disney! What are you most looking forward to in this upcoming collectible toy?

This has been a huge milestone in my career and in my life. My whole life I’ve been obsessed with cartoons, and Mickey is like the godfather of cartoon characters. It’s hard to find one that is more iconic than Mickey. So when Mighty Jaxx gave me this opportunity to design a Mickey toy, I was ecstatic! I personally can’t wait to see it in people’s hands and homes, that is one of the most gratifying parts of making real-life collectibles.

 

Looking towards the future, what are some artistic goals or projects you hope to explore next?

I’m having my first group show in Asia this summer alongside some artists I’ve been admiring for years and years. And as a cherry on top, I will have my first gallery solo show in October in Amsterdam. So I’m full on in paint-mode right now, making a new painting almost every week, while keeping up with other projects like brand collaborations, YouTube videos, … But it’s the first time in my life that I feel ready to create a ‘body of work’ instead of just one-off pieces. These shows will allow me to grow exponentially as an artist.

Photo: Vexx

 

Any advice for budding artists out there?

Do what you love and look around to see what is missing in this space. There’s enough space for everyone, you just have to add something unique to the mix. Always keep creating, that’s when good things come to you as an artist and it is also what brings all of us fulfillment.

 

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