Exhibit69 was born in South London in 1980 but spent his formative years in the USA where he was exposed to arts and culture through his parent’s gallery. Whilst there, the joint influences of the burgeoning hip-hop scene and his voracious appetite for comic books, profoundly shaped his future practice. Returning to the UK during adolescence, life changed drastically with graffiti becoming his main outlet, enabling him to escape the lures of crime and gang culture.

Firstly tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Mark Anthony and I am 42 years old.  I was born in Clapham South but spent much of my formative years in the USA.

I am of Jamaican heritage and returned to South London from America in 1989, which impacted me culturally as the customs were different surrounding the landscape of creative disciplines and black visibility. 

I went to college to study Art after achieving moderate GCSE results but had to drop out to obtain full time employment due to leaving home prematurely.

“I BELIEVE THAT ART PLAYS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MY LIFE AS IT ASSISTS IN MANAGING CLINICAL DEPRESSION AND ADHD.  IT ALSO BRINGS JOY TO OTHER PEOPLE AND HAS CONTRIBUTED TO ME BEING ABLE TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE”

What inspires you about Black creatives?

I prefer to be called a creative as opposed to a black creative. I have never heard of a European artist being referred to as a white creative before.

It suggests that there is a difference which is ridiculous especially as our creative impact is dominant in the world. 

I am inspired by a plethora of things, people and issues that I am exposed to.

“THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS SO I PAINT OR WRITE TO AVOID INTERNALISING EVERYTHING”

Who would you say is your biggest role model?

My biggest role models are my parents, family members and my missus @theshejay

They are the ones that taught me values and principles which has guided me in the darker times. My partner is my anchor and provides me with endless laughter, peace and amazing music which calms my soul.

A huge thank you to our wonderful feature on our blog page. This wouldn’t be possible without you and we are grateful for the inspiration, motivation and support you illuminate! Make sure to connect with Mark on his networking pages, and let him and us at [FORE] know what you thought, felt and what resonated most from this interview.

-TEAM FORE