Squarely Magazine

by Sophie Yardley

This quarter’s cover artist needs no introduction—it’s none other than Bristol’s legendary Inkie.

A true pioneer of the UK graffiti scene, Inkie is one of the country’s most respected street artists. From the moment he could hold a pen, he was painting alongside the likes of Massive Attack’s 3D, Goldie and Nick Walker. Later, he would work with Banksy and the ever-growing pool of Bristol artists, helping shape the city’s world-renowned graffiti movement.

Fast forward to today, and Inkie is still painting, pushing creative boundaries, and working on inspiring community projects. We caught up with the man, the myth, the legend himself to talk about his journey, his influences and what’s next.

The graffiti scene has changed dramatically since 1989 when you were arrested as part of Operation Anderson—the UK’s biggest anti-graffiti crackdown. The days of running from the police are long gone, but do you ever miss the thrill of those early years?

Graffiti has been pushed further underground due to the use of security cameras, etc, and is now really only for the hardcore. Pieces in halls of fame, although stylistically graffiti, are not really in the same league… Also, the internet means you can paint a wall in your back garden and have social media fame overnight without doing any illegal…