Dallas-born, Los Angeles-based artist Bryan Blue has been an artist for most of his life. He has experimented with many mediums, from paintings and murals to photography and film. Not limited to any one art form, Blue has also designed a custom Air Jordan 1 shoe for Nike and Beats by Dre and created the iconic cover art for Isaiah Rashad's album The Sun's Tirade. His works document his experiences, often using his art to connect with the world around him.
"I've been creating since I was a kid. It's always been a way for me to express myself and connect with the world around me. I always thought it would be cool to make art for a living," Blue tells New Times. "My style is bold, vibrant, and full of energy. I love using bright colors and bold lines to create eye-catching pieces. My preferred mediums are spray paint and acrylics, but I'm always experimenting with new techniques and materials. I just recently learned airbrushing, and I like oils, as well."
"Oh Thank Heaven" highlights the significance of convenience stores in skate culture, a mecca to those searching for a space to skate and vibe with their friends. Available to purchase from 7-Collection, the designs feature a mummified skater gleefully holding a 7-Eleven Slurpee as he careens in front of the brand's mirrored logo. Fit with Blue's artist tag in the chain's iconic colors and mummy motifs, the collection certainly captures his playful, creative spirit.
"The 7-Eleven collab came about through my homies at Secret Walls. They were looking for an artist to collaborate with, and I was immediately drawn to the idea. The name 'Oh Thank Heaven' is a play on words, referencing the convenience store chain and the feeling of relief and gratitude that comes with finding something you need," he explains. "The designs are inspired by my childhood memories of going to 7-Eleven with my friends and family."
Local artist Brian Bulter competed in Secret Walls' paint battle during Miami Art Week.
Photo by Art Chemist Studio
"The inspiration for Secret Walls came from Marvel's Secret Wars comics, where superheroes clashed head-to-head, and the competitive spirit of b-boy battles in hip-hop culture. I envisioned a platform where artists could engage in live competitive paint battles, creating an electrifying experience for both participants and audiences," Guy says. "This concept materialized in 2006 with the birth of Secret Walls back in East London. The main goal was to have fun, pull back the curtain on the artist's creative process, and inspire folks through the lens of collaboration and friendly competition."
As a four-time champion of the Secret Walls art competition, Blue and Guy's collaboration was a no-brainer. In addition to showcasing Blue's collection, Secret Walls stayed true to its core by featuring local artists Brian Butler and Cory Van Lew. Accompanied by a large audience, the two competed in a 90-minute paint battle, using only black paint and black Posca markers on large canvases.
Feeding off the artists' adrenaline and fueled by Blue's DJ set, the crowd broke out in a dance circle while others began a raucous "Secret Walls" chant. The energy invigorated the artists, inspiring Butler to include the crowd in his piece. By contrast, Van Lew's trippy artwork channeled what a space-age 7-Eleven franchise might look like, prominently featuring an alien enjoying a Slurpee.
"These events, often held in bars and warehouses, draw inspiration from the clandestine nature of street art and graffiti. The atmosphere is electric, with a DJ spinning tracks, a lively crowd cheering, and a panel of judges scoring the work. The audience plays a crucial role in selecting the winner, fostering a communal and interactive experience," Guy says. "The format is heavily inspired by sports, particularly soccer, and carries the raw, underground energy reminiscent of Fight Club, creating a thrilling and immersive environment for both artists and spectators."
Once the 90-minute timer rang, the audience's cheers would determine the winner. The evening's MC, relying on a decibel reader, crowned Van Lew the victor.
"Secret Walls is a great platform for emerging artists to get their work seen by a wider audience," Blue says. "The live competition format is a unique and engaging way to experience art and it can help to inspire and educate people about the creative process."
Blue the Great's "Oh Thank Heaven" collection is available via 7collection.com.
