Q&A: Ahol Sniffs Glue’s Cyber Trap Boutique Pizza Party

Photography by Loamis Rodriguez on August 17th, 2017 in Editorials, Lifestyle

Ahol Sniffs Glue

Miami, FL – August 11, 2017 – All eyes were on Ahol Sniffs Glue as the “MIAMI FULL-TIME” artist hosted an epic pizza party in celebration of his Cyber Trap Boutique pop-up shop. Fans who have been running around town attempting to snag Ahol’s hidden magnet gems or buying works through Instagram were finally given the opportunity to purchase a multitude of merchandise. Pop-up attendees munched on pizza from Steve’s Pizza and Pizza Bar as they shopped the limited edition coffee mugs, t-shirts, hats, wall art and more.

World Red Eye caught up with Ahol Sniffs Glue, the master behind this highly-anticipated pop-up, who gave us a closer look into why it was time to open up shop and if we can expect more pop-up boutiques in the future.

WRE: What inspired you to begin creating merchandise?

ASG: In general merchandise has always been crucial to me. The demographic of people that can afford smaller, more attainable items are usually the larger part of my fan base. No one left behind. As for the merchandise for the store, the space came first. Then the store idea was the only logical approach right off the bat.

WRE: There is a variety of merchandise offered at this pop-up, how did you come up with the ideas for each product?

ASG: The main idea was reinforcing the fact that it’s a site-specific installation to compliment and mix in with the downtown souvenir gift shop vibe. If it was fun, funny or interesting I made it. As long as the consistent graphic fit I made a few.

The main design of everything in the store is a play on the things I love – eyeballs and Miami (MIAMI FULL-TIME) souvenir branding. It was only right to reinforce the Miami-ness and launch at our primary area codes time 3:05 p.m.

Ahol Sniffs Glue

WRE: What is the hottest item people are coming to the pop-up for?

ASG: The throw pillows. I should have made more. They sold out in the first hour.

WRE: Explain the timing of the pop-up opening at 3:05pm?

ASG: The main design of everything in the store is a play on the things I love – eyeballs and Miami (MIAMI FULL-TIME) souvenir branding. It was only right to reinforce the Miami-ness and launch at our primary area codes time 3:05 p.m.

WRE: What do you think attracts people to your work?

ASG: I think primarily that it’s digestible, has an easy to relate to aesthetic and that I make it a point to flood the city with it. I am consistent and if someone is intrigued enough to look my work up further, they will unearth the complexity of how much deeper my vision really goes. Other than that I really don’t know but, I am thankful people appreciate my work even if they don’t look past the eyeball murals.

WRE: Would you ever open an actual shop if your pop-up does well?

ASG: I think time will tell. I like the temporariness and commitment-free attachment to popping up. I hate being locked down, but times change, people change and the future is there to be written. Lets see what happens!

Ahol Sniffs Glue

I am consistent and if someone is intrigued enough to look my work up further, they will unearth the complexity of how much deeper my vision really goes.

Ahol Sniffs Glue

WRE: What message are you trying to send out by the saying “Miami Full Time?”

ASG: MIAMI FULL-TIME is something I began pushing awhile ago. It is a Miami empowerment movement. If you live it, born into it or associate with Miami then it is you. From work to fun, it’s what I know, I have made it my own. I encourage everyone claiming Miami to embrace it and make it their own. There is nothing wrong with caring about your city. People love Miami in different ways. I love MIAMI FULL-TIME for it’s fine times an it’s tropical grime.

WRE: Are you restocking any of this merchandise being sold?

ASG: Right now I’m just exploring different items to see what other stuff I can play with such as ash trays, condoms, snow globes, etc. First comes fun, then comes funds!

WRE: What made you come up with a pizza party idea to open this weeks pop up?

ASG: First day we did free Peroni, which was awesome. But, we needed a more tame event that can compliment with downtown’s lunch rush. Pizza is universally accepted by the masses. We hollered at Pizza Bar and Steve’s Pizza and they both were down to get involved. Humbled to have two pizza powerhouses in Miami be down to bless the cyber trap with pizza. People loved it. I loved it the most!

WRE: What can we expect in regards to your work in the next 10 years?

ASG: In the next ten years I hope to still be alive. If that’s happening, there is nothing that can stop me. I’ve got some major collaborations in the works now, thankfully moving and creating in a level I’d never thought I’d be. I will probably own ten hotels, six bars, two movie theaters, a radio station, bring back block buster, healthy taco bells and clone my lawyer; make all my friends rich, make my enemies walk the plank. Make the Lotus House building 80 stories taller and make the next Metro Rail Station in space. I’d also start a support group for all the suckers that doubted me, they know who they are.

Ahol Sniffs Glue

In the next ten years I hope to still be alive. If that’s happening, there is nothing that can stop me. I’ve got some major collaborations in the works now, thankfully moving and creating in a level I’d never thought I’d be.