Sweet Toof has been covering East London’s streets with his cartoon bubble gums and pearly whites for some time and now he’s back in London with solo exhibition Sweet Revenge.
The free show is a mini retrospective of the artists creations and will take place in his East London stomping ground, right next to Olympic Park in Hackney Wick.
Sweet Toof’s career has seen him create street art alongside realist painting and sculptures, never ceasing to surprise us with just how dark and funny his work can be. Like others in his field, he keeps his identity under wraps but that didn’t stop WJ from trying to learn a little more about the elusive artist.
So Sweet Revenge is being billed as a mini retrospective of Sweet Toof, can you tell us a little more about it?
Sweet Revenge is a selection of works from the past 4 years, some of which hasn’t been seen in the UK before, featuring paintings, sculpture and prints.
What can we expect to see that’s new?
This mini retrospective will give an insight into the thought process and development of work up to the present.
You often create installations which you call “3D” – will we be seeing any of those?
Yes, without giving to much away there will be some interaction pieces so don’t forget your camera.
“Rollers”, “Ruff Necks” and “Dark Horse” have seen you move into a more conventional artist role in terms of materials at use, do you have a preferred medium these days?
Whatever it takes to create the work: oil/ acrylic/ emulsion/ spray paint/ wood/ metal… Usually the artwork and it’s location dictates the medium.
“Ruff Necks” is a pretty playful take on period portraits what inspired these?
I have always been interested in the history of painting and the old masters. It is important to look back before moving forwards yourself.
Your work often uses humour – would you say you’re a funny guy?
I am not as funny as I look.
All of your work features the trademark Sweet Toof teeth which you have become known for, was it intentional to create such a graphic signature?
Over the years I have worked with several imaginary. The motive was a natural progression.
The skeletal form is also consistent within your work, whether it be human or animal. Is there a reason why you are drawn to exploring ideas of death?
I don’t see the skeletons as skeletons but as as vehicle for creating narratives. Sleep when you are dead.
East London’s streets have had a lot of the Sweet Toof treatment and some of your work has featured New York cityscapes, is there a particular city that most influences you?
New York has always been an influence in my work from the history of graffiti to its cityscape. It is as raw and grimy as is East London.
What are your favourite places to visit in London?
Old Street dental clinic.
“Rollers” features a varied cast of characters in differing landscapes, creating their own street art using roller poles. In your street work do you use both roller poles and spray cans – is there one you prefer to the other?
Rollers poles reach spots that other brushes can’t reach.
When you have an idea, what dictates whether it will be something you create indoors or on the streets?
My ideas feed one another. The Street work is hit and run, the studio work is to walk and develop ideas.
You probably don’t have a favourite piece of work but is there a collection you are most proud of?
Ask me after Friday.
What’s next for Sweet Toof?
Root canal.
Sweet Revenge is on from the 11th-19th August at The Colour Works
