1xRUN Through Interview
Escape From New York by Matt Siren
1xRUN: Tell us how the idea and execution came about, what materials did you use?
Matt Siren: This piece is a collage of a few things that have influenced and inspired me throughout my youth – John Carpenter’s Escape From New York, Coney Island and your friendly neighborhood superhero, Spider-Man. I have a feeling many others will relate to these same influences/inspirations and have a bond with the imagery. At the time the poster was conceived I was knee deep into drawing skulls and putting them on everything I drew. I had a few sketches of Spider-Man lying around I had done years earlier that I still thought were pretty good. I always wanted to do an “Amazing Spider-Man” cover, but never actually composed one. I tossed a few ideas around on paper incorporating things I loved about New York and my youth. Each print is individually painted with graffiti tags done by myself and few other “special” guests who were around at the time of creation. Laid on top is the actual print “Escape From New York”.
1xRUN: When was this piece created and how long did it take?
Matt Siren: I did this back in 2009. The design of the print only took a few days, but the actual print took a few weeks to complete.
1xRUN: What is unique about these pieces?
Matt Siren: Each print has it’s own unique background of tags and “hidden messages”. What I like about this piece is that it touches upon a few different themes which may attract a wider audience than much of the other work I’ve created. I can see fans of New York, fans of comic books, and movie buffs all being drawn to the print.
1xRUN: Describe these pieces in one gut reaction word.
Matt Siren: Freakish.
1xRUN: When did you first start making art and what was your first piece?
Matt Siren: I started drawing on the walls of my house and did a nice mural in my living room all done in crayon when I was about 2 years old.
1xRUN: What artists inspired you early on?
Matt Siren: Frank Frazetta, Alphonse Mucha, J.C. Leyendecker, Todd McFarlane, Egon Schiele, Robert Crumb, and Steve Chanks all inspired me early on.
1xRUN: Do you listen to music while you work?
Matt Siren: I listen to all kinds of music when I’m working. It energizes as well as soothes me while I’m creating.
1xRUN: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artist?
Matt Siren: I would love to collaborate with Jeff Koons. He has the right idea about scale and the power that can wield in front of an audience. I would collaborate with Michelangelo in this department. His talent is not of this earth.
1xRUN: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last?
Matt Siren: The first piece of art I ever bought was a poster by Shepard Fairey which I do still have. However, it still needs to be framed. The poster by Shep was the first and I believe last piece of art I have ever purchased. I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of creative friends who have given me “gifts” in the form of their art.
1xRUN: What have you been working on lately?
Matt Siren: Currently I’m working on a few collaborations with Russell King. Look for a show from us in the near future.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Matt Siren: Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter
-1xRUN