Alright so thanks for taking the time out to do this interview, can you give us a brief introduction to who you are, what your history is in the graffiti game and Where did the name Enem come from? What crew do you rep?
They call me NM that’s spelled ENEM . But pronounced with a Philly accent. That’s where I am, a citizen of Philadelphia the virtual place of freedom. And my club is forever TDK. Also KTS FUA and FLYID
The first thing that grabbed my attention about your work is how dope your stuff is! You say in your recent post that you don’t even come to it with a plan, you just grab the spray cans and go for it, I commend you on that you have a humble mastery of your craft. In your latest post you talk a little about how there is ego in this sport of graffiti but you don’t play that, can you elaborate on this? Do you think that’s come from just maturing in life?
Yeah, I try not to be too cryptic about my statements. But it isn’t that this is a competitive art form there’s no wins or losses just your catalog of work. But everywhere is operating on his or her ego for the most part we want to be acknowledged if only by our counterparts. It seems to drive most to continue. So much ego and opinion I’ve learned to turn that off 90 % of the time. Sometimes I get in my feelings but I try to keep it on the walls and not the comment section.
You come from the Philadelphia graffiti scene correct? How would you compare the scene in Philly compared to new york or Cali? Do you guys have a specific style or skillset you guys are known for?
So Philly isn’t a secret people know we have a different handstyle. I use to think our scene was different but in a lot of ways all graff scenes are the same just different intensities. Like we all have the same goal in mind and that’s to get rep, get out there and flex our skills: that seems to be everywhere. I will say this Here in Philly the tag is supreme and we don’t hide that fact .
One of my other favorite posts from you was you noting a special moment in your life when a group of kids came up to you while you were painting and were curious about your path. How did this go down? It sounds like an inspiring story!
So I have had numerous moments where I may be painting and a group of kids happens to be on a school trip thru the area I’m painting for whatever reason. If they engage me I will stop and give them my full attention. Those are the times I feel blessed but I have also had youth groups and summer programs reach out and give me the opportunity to speak with the kids. It’s simple kids love art way more than adults and they find joy easier than adults they don’t need to give themselves permission to enjoy life. Adults lose that ability as time grows on sadly.
What is your favorite documentary or book that covers the history or major players of graffiti and why?
I would say stylewars so many icons and for what it’s worth a lot of the illest are in that doc are still out here doing it. I’m not too worried about the history of graff. When so many want to cover it the story’s change, the timelines jumps. One day it will come a time to look back and truly give a full and correct account of Graffiti. Hopefully I can make a impact and be apart of that history . So many dope artist over so many years it’s a long shot but still it would be a honor .
You mention some collabs you’ve done in some of your posts, is doing collaborations the highlight of being a graffiti artist? What’s your favorite thing about doing street art?
I don’t call em collabs I call em “blends” I like the idea of mixing minds on any project. I also don’t call mural art street art. I’m a street artist. The oil painters using 94 are muralist, graffiti writers are the only people I believe can actually be a street artist. It’s not a diss it’s a distinction. But I enjoy all art and murals are amazing I hope to grow and build my skills in that department.
Do you do murals for work, or do you only treat this as a side hustle? For people wanting to thrive as an artist and make this their career, what kind of advice would you give?
I do a lot of commission work and commercial jobs, but not on the scale I should. So I’m gonna push myself to tackle the projects that truly fit my art and my style this year.
Where all have you traveled as an artist, any cool travel stories you can share?
I’ve traveled all over the states but never left the country unless it was an island trip. I wanna do more but the last 2 years it kinda shut down my plans so soon as I can I’ll get back to it as long as I feel it’s safe health-wise. I could tell you tons of story’s but of course none come to mind at this moment.
Where do you see yourself going with your career in the next few years? Any big plans or do you just go with the flow?
I’ve gone with the flow my entire life. These next few years I am planning to build up for a proper show. I am creating the merchandise I’ve always wanted to make and hopefully I will be welcome amongst artists in places I haven’t yet traveled. For now these projects I’m gonna keep close to the chest, don’t wanna jinx anything.
Any shoutouts you would like to give? Where can people follow you?
Man I wanna shout out my brother Sear tdk, my boy Rocky atp and my lady Monica. Also shout out to My kids and all my friends, The TDK family. Rest in peace King Dream . My homies Skae, Dub, Menas, hoacs, roachi, Trace…. Fuck it the whole 4s crew lol that’s easier! Also I wanna shout out my brother Karak Kts my vp, My krew KTS, my boy EsZe . The other legends that support me big homie Wane, my friend Persue . My wizard friend big Skip. And so many more I appreciate all my friends even if I couldn’t remember to shout you out ! Thanks bombing science!
Appreciate you guys.
You can follow Enem on Instagram
