Behind the Tag: The Future of Graffiti Art in Canada

Mikhail Miller

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Mikhail Miller

Mikhail Miller is a visual artist based in Mohkinstsis/Calgary. He graduated with distinction from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2006 with a BFA in Print Media Studies. Around the same time, he painted his first graffiti “piece” in a gravel pit under Bow Trail. From 2008 to 2009, Mikhail completed an art residency and printmaking internship at the Banff Centre for the Arts before relocating to Victoria, BC. On the West Coast, Mikhail was able to cultivate his artistic style and met many influential graffiti writers and artists. He regularly painted at the Wildfire Bakery, a legal spot to paint in the heart of Victoria, along with many other walls in the area. Mikhail co-organized the “Quake of the Cans” Urban Art Festival for a number of years that brought together graffiti writers from the West Coast through painting jams, art shows and music events.

Having moved back to Calgary in 2015, Mikhail established the art collective NASARIMBA with his partner and collaborator, Rachel Ziriada. Together they have painted many large-scale murals locally, nationally and internationally. NASARIMBA has participated in mural festivals including BUMP, Rust Magic and the Nelson International Mural Festival. Mikhail has continued his involvement in the graffiti community by organizing jams at Boogie’s Burgers, ContainR, and along the train tracks in Sunalta. He has participated in multiple BUMP graffiti jams and he is currently organizing an artshow/zine/graffiti jam project in Greenview this September that highlights the history of an old painting spot in that area called “The Foundation”.

Annaliza Toledo

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Annaliza Toledo

Annaliza Toledo aka Lady Venz YIA is a Filipina-Spanish Canadian artist and co-founder of Rust Magic International, an agency dedicated to promoting and educating about graffiti culture. As a curator, she collaborates with local and international artists to produce interior and exterior murals that stand as beautiful symbols of creativity worldwide.

Lady Venz’s artwork captures the essence of vintage New York graffiti using vibrant colors to create visually dynamic pieces. Her unique style draws inspiration from fashion, exotic motifs and vintage caricatures. Her colour selection is always memorable and while her style is simple in structure, commands immediate attention. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Lady Venz also works as a fashion stylist and designer. Her diverse range of talents allows her to seamlessly blend art and fashion, crafting captivating visual experiences. 

Trevor Peters

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Trevor Peters

Trevor Peters better known as Curly YIA is a Jamaican-Cree Canadian artist and curator. His artistic journey began in 1994 when he was introduced to the world of spray painting, instantly connecting with a lifestyle of leaving his mark in the dark. Since then, Curly has embarked on a three-decade journey of wild graffiti exploration, painting a plethora of pieces across the globe. His signature style seamlessly blends New York, European and his own lettering compositions together, consistently producing one-of-a-kind artworks.

As a fine artist, Curly explores the interplay between tranquility and turbulence, drawing inspiration from his experiences living abroad while capturing the essence of his surroundings. With a strong emphasis on channeling the energy of his street paintings, Curly infuses his works with a vibrant and dynamic energy. These pieces serve as portals, offering glimpses into a life shaped by travel and the raw experiences of creating art in the streets. Curly is able to execute his ideas across many different disciplines and chooses to work with different mediums to express his views as an artist. Curly YIA plays a pivotal role in Rust Magic International, helping to shape its vision and success.

Wesley O’Driscoll

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Wesley O’Driscoll

Wesley O’Driscoll is a disabled multidisciplinary artist and interviewer from Edmonton, Alberta. Wesley first became interested in graffiti in 1998 and became devoted to learning about it and engaging with the artform. Over the last 26 years, he has maintained this passion and has paid close attention to the subculture – including its growth and trends throughout this time.

Through graffiti, Wesley was inspired to practice photography and became perpetually curious about how his environment translates into imagery. Subsequently, he began making and curating zines, both independently and with various artists worldwide. Graffiti has been integral to shaping Wesley’s understanding of art, culture and community as well as being a prevailing influence for how he engages with art, of various formats and disciplines. With the intention of storytelling at its core, Wesley hosts the Nowhere Fast podcast where he connects with diverse individuals, facilitating extensive conversation into individual experiences. He hopes to weave different subcultures together in a way that celebrates their distinct components yet merges their similarities. His recent recordings have included conversations with graffiti and fine artists around North America.

Ryan Tram, BUMP Festival