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The Akumal Arts Festival is a celebration of all the best street art can be. This past January, the Festival returned for its 4th edition, the first in-person since the pandemic erupted. Since its inception in 2018, the Festival has always embodied its principles of community, ambition, and hope.
At this year’s rendition of the Akumal Arts Festival, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alex Yopra once more. Alex and I both share the honor of having attended all four of the festival’s editions, and in the year’s I’ve known him, I’ve watched as he has grown as an artist, from painting a few small murals to earning one of the prime spots painting on the bridge. In the same time, I’ve witnessed as Alex’s English improved (our first interview was a bit difficult, given neither of us we’re fluent in the other’s native language.) However, even with his English mastered, Alex Yopra is a man of few words, preferring to let his art and earnest smile speak for him.
Here's a look back at some of the projects we worked on this year!
Amir Diop is among the youngest members of the SoHo Renaissance Factory, and one of the most ambitious. A driven young artist, Amir began wheatpasting in the streets before last year’s season of unrest led him to paint for a greater purpose. We sat down with Amir at SRF HQ to discuss his journey as an artist, picking up the paintbrush after becoming discouraged, and learning to outgrow your comfort zone.
I once watched Sule climb a 15-foot scaffolding, with ninja-like nimble determination. With poise, he pulled himself up, spray cans in hand, outlining his trademark character, a warrior-deity. The figure, who took form at the height of last year’s protests, is a blend of the artist’s inspirations, from comic books to anime, and a rounded world view of what it means to be.