Q&A: Stadium Sessions presented by Heineken at Wood Tavern

Photography by World Red Eye on July 10th, 2019 in Editorials, Lifestyle, Stadium Sessions presented by Heineken

Atomik

Miami, FL – July 10, 2019 – We’re continuing our latest partnership Stadium Sessions presented by Heineken, as we interviewed Miami based artist Atomik at Wood Tavern. Stadium Sessions is an event series celebrating the cultural impact of the Miami Marine Stadium. This summer, each Stadium Sessions event will be free to guest and take place at Floyd, Blackbird Ordinary, and Gramps. The events will feature both art and education components revolving around performances by Miami based DJ’s and musicians.

The Miami Marine Stadium is a waterfront stadium on Virginia Key. The facility built in 1963, is the first stadium purpose-built for powerboat racing in the United States. For nearly 30 years, the stadium was used for its intended water sports as well as concerts and sporting events. In the wake of Hurricane Andrew, it was declared unsafe and closed in 1992. Since its condemnation, the stadium has become a haven for graffiti artist, but remains an attraction for its photographic panoramic view of Miami. With help from Heineken, a donation drive was done in the summer of 2015 helping to raise awareness and restoration funds. In 2018, Miami City Commission approved $45 million in special obligation bonds that will be dedicated to the restoration of Miami Marine Stadium, as well as other projects and improvements on its surrounding site.

Atomik, trained in graphic design, is a big name in the Miami art scene. The graffiti legend, part of the infamous MSG crew, a group of local graffiti heroes, has been painting the city for quite some time. While growing up in the emerging Miami graffiti scene of the 80’s, Atomik witnessed for himself at a young age what would later become his profession. Famous for his iconic orange character which emerged as a response to the demolition of the Miami Orange Bowl ,the artists also marks the walls of Miami with his sleek hand-styles, graffiti. Read the full Q&A below on Atomik below.

Atomik

WRE: Tell us about your connection to Miami and some of the work you have around not only in Miami but around the world?

A: Miami is my birthplace. I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ll raise my son and daughter in this beautiful city. I have traveled the world and spread my artwork to over 30 countries.

WRE: As an artist, do you have any personal ties or experiences involving the Miami Marine Stadium?

A: My friends (Tsc Crew) and I were the first graffiti writers to paint the Miami marine stadium. We spent a great amount of time painting our art inside of that abandoned structure.

Coming from a graffiti background I repeatedly wrote my name for 20 years. I’m applying the same effort for my character. It’s a little bit easier because I’m not restricted to only letters. The possibilities are endless.

Atomik

WRE: Your work is infamous for the iconic orange character. How did you create the character?

A: My orange character was inspired from the Miami Orange Bowl. When the stadium was demolished in 2008 I started painting my version of the smiling face.

WRE: What motivates you to continue with this character and dedicate your artistry to its influence?

A: Coming from a graffiti background I repeatedly wrote my name for 20 years. I’m applying the same effort for my character. It’s a little bit easier because I’m not restricted to only letters. The possibilities are endless.

WRE: You grew up in the emerging Miami graffiti scene in the 80’s & 90’s. Fast forward to today 2019; how has the Miami’s art scene changed not only personally but on a larger scale?

A: Miami has a special place in the art world because of Art Basel and Wynwood. We host one of the best art fairs every December and have the largest outdoor museum of murals. It wasn’t always so special though, Miami was covered in graffiti throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Artists from Miami would usually move to other states or countries to peruse their career in the arts. Luckily that changed lol.

WRE: Tell us more about the limited edition concert poster you created for the Heineken Stadium Sessions series?

A: It’s an honor to create a limited edition concert poster for the Heineken Stadium Sessions. Jake Jefferson reached out to me and I was all in upon hearing DJ Craze was one of the concerts. I grew up listening to mixtapes by DJ Craze, he’s legendary in the music world. Hopefully I can paint a mural in the remodeled stadium!