Interview: Waleska
What makes graffiti in South America, and in particular Brazil, and even more specifically Sao Paulo as good as it is,could be down to the fact that as street art or graffiti, it really does stand out as being the most non-aggressive form of the genre you’ll ever be likely to encounter. Whether it constitutes as graffiti is certainly an issue for writers from NYC, who consider that ‘graffiti’ as a definitive term works within strict parameters and attitudes, but In true Brazilian style, Brazilians have thrown off any adhererance to structures and the streets of Sao Paulo have blossomed into some of the most mesmerising sights you’re likely to see anywhere. Amongst the artists who make Brazilian graffiti what it is, is Waleska Tudo Nomura a stand out artist by all accounts and graffiti royalty here in Brazil (her brother Tinho was one of the original SP writers, and her husbad Adam Neate is highly acclaimed for his work). Her ideal is to “Spread Love And Positive Energies To The World’, which kind of spits in the face of old skool atitoods and aggression - cherry-blossom flavoured love-spit of course…
First of all can you tell me what it was like growing up in Sao Paulo (the people, the area, the politics)
Sao Paulo is a very crazy city to grow up in. Is one of the biggest cities in the world! And one of the most populated as well but the people are very friendly and happy and they know how to enjoy themselves no matter what life throws at them.
The grafitti in South America, particularly Brasil is - in my opinion - is the best in the world - what do you think makes the grafitti there so unique?
Since graffiti started in Brazil, we didn’t have that much exposure to the american and european styles, so, Brazilian graffiti kind of evolved in its own direction, thanks to the pioneering Brazilian graffiti artists like Tinho who decided to change his style from the traditional New Yprk wildstyle and pieces.
How does Soa Paulo campare to London?
It is a lot easier to paint a wall in Sao Paulo as brazilian people embrace the art as they recognize graffiti as an art form in its own right. In England there is a lot of rules and regulations stopping people from painting as much as they would like to in the streets.
What do you like better about London and what do you like better about Sampa?
They both have their good and bad points. I love Sao Paulo to paint and spend time with my family and friends and I love my london friends as well and living in Europe, it is a lot easier to visit other countries.
Which artists do you most admire?
My brother Tinho and my husband Adam Neate. And I love Mark Riden , Stanley Spencer and Lady Pink.
Who have you done your favurite collaborations with?
Adam Neate and Tinho.
Your message is to spread love – tell me about it
What is it about humans that we are so cruel to each other? But like with all positive and negative aspects in nature, without hatred in the world there would be no need for love and vice versa.
What does it feel like to create something which has such a positive effect on the environment?
A: It feels nice that I can pass on a positive feeling to the people on the streets through my art. and to know that some people enjoyed seeing my work as much as I enjoyed painting it.
Do you have any plans for the future regarding your work?
Because I took a year off painting to have my baby boy, I’m enjoying getting back into full swing again with my art, and have been invited to be a part of the Edge-art collective gallery.
www.edgeart.co.uk
Do you think your child will inherit his parent’s talent?
Who knows? I think everyone has got a talent in something. With whatever he decides to do in life we will support him, as long as he is happy.
Who or what inspires you?
Mark Ryden, my husband Adam, my son Kenzo, my brother Tinho and when I’m painting a wall, my friends and the enviroment, the nature is what inspires me the most!
If you weren’t an artist what would you be doing?
Working as a school teacher.
If you could take control of the world for one day what would you do?
Make graffiti legal 
and give peace to the earth.
Where is the most beautiful place you have seen, or where would you most like to visit?
Fernando de Noronha - Brazil is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life
Describe your perfect day
Wake up next to my husband and my son, then, after breakfast, going painting with my friends in a very sunny day
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