The work of emerging South London artist SYMBLE is raw and unfiltered, channelling the fearless energy of 1980s neo-expressionism as he confronts themes of identity, existence, and the turbulence of contemporary life.
A self-taught artist, SYMBLE‘s work reflects the grit of his upbringing in South London, his life experiences, and a love of animation, forming his visual language that breaks from convention, untamed and pulsating with fragments of personal history and cultural iconography.
SYMBLE presents a world through his uncompromising lens with edgy brushstrokes, where cartoon icons become distorted symbols of resistance that invite us to confront the tension between nostalgia and disruption.
In works like Life Is What You Make It, SYMBLE creates a riot of blues, reds, yellows, and greens that clashes with bold statements like “Life Is What You Make It,” “Everybody has his day,” and “Make it count!” These phrases swirl around Snoopy—no longer the playful beagle from Charles Schulz’s Peanuts, but now a contorted figure that mirrors SYMBLE’s audacious spin.
Image courtesy of the artist
The South London landscape is the foundation of my work and a representation of where I’m from. South London is full of different cultures that unify through creativity & entertainment
SYMBLE
Above Snoopy’s head floats a Basquiat-inspired crown, as the beagle graff on the wall, paying homage to and critiquing the tension of artistic royalty and the commercialisation of art. His success in the art world has garnered attention, with his work showcased worldwide, most recently featuring in Enter Gallery, sharing the stage with established artists in the group show “The Mix.”
With a growing roster of collectors—including footballer Jesse Lingard and British artist Damien Hirst—SYMBLE is quickly emerging as an unfiltered voice of a new generation, known for his edgy aesthetics and bold, gritty reimaginings. A burgeoning figure in contemporary art, he is undeniably an artist to watch.
Hi SYMBLE, Could you start by sharing your journey into the arts and what inspired you to pursue a career as an artist?
SYMBLE: Growing up, I was always into drawing characters from books & watching cartoons, like the Looney Toons, Simpsons, Ninja Turtles and Snoopy, which led me to draw cartoons. Once I realised what an artist was, I wanted to be an artist. I naturally gravitated towards street and pop art, but my mother wanted me to be an architect because I could always draw.
SYMBLE
Image courtesy of the artist
Your practice reimagines iconic motifs by drawing inspiration from and fusing elements of street art, neo-expressionism, and pop art, all while infusing your work with rich cultural symbolism. Could we delve into the conceptual underpinnings of your practice, the sources of your inspiration, and the themes you explore in your work?
SYMBLE: The South London landscape is the foundation of my work and a representation of where I’m from. South London is full of different cultures that unify through creativity & entertainment, such as Art, Music, Fashion, Sports, Technology, etc
Building on that, you grew up in South London. How have your surroundings and personal experiences shaped your approach to art, especially in terms of the themes you choose to explore?
SYMBLE: I usually paint images we see in our day to day life and things that inspire me. Within each piece of art, I incorporate a message of life experiences.
As a self-taught artist, how do you define your place within the contemporary art world, which often values formal training? How has this self-guided path influenced your creative freedom and artistic identity?
SYMBLE: Being a self-taught artist gives me space to imagine and create paintings, which should differentiate me from others naturally. However, many artists before me & the internet have created opportunities for emerging artists to study and connect with an audience.
I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors, such as Damien Hirst, to help guide me through an industry that can be hard to understand sometimes, which I appreciate greatly.
SYMBLE
Image courtesy of the artist
Street art and pop art often engage with socio-political themes. How do you see your work fitting into this tradition? Are there specific social issues or themes you feel compelled to address through your work?
SYMBLE: I believe most creatives carry a socio-political dimension, depending on your life experiences some implicit than others.
Your work is featured in Enter Gallery’s group exhibition, “The Mix,” alongside established and emerging talents like yourself. Could you tell us more about the essence of the exhibition and how it came about?
SYMBLE: I was excited to be asked to participate in this show, and create the works that I did. I like that The Mix is a true mix of artists, mediums, styles and characters. It’s exciting to be featured alongside artists I admire. Enter Gallery is a place I feel excitement around the contemporary art world and I always enjoy visiting.
SYMBLE
Image courtesy of the artist
Many notable figures, including art world heavyweight Damien Hirst, have collected your work. How does it feel to know that your work is part of the collection of one of the world’s greatest artists? And how do you navigate the intersection of artistic integrity and market demand, especially as your popularity grows?
SYMBLE: I’m extremely grateful & I really appreciate that my artwork is part of such a collection owned by a great artist such as Damien Hirst. At first, I couldn’t believe it!!
Honestly, I go with what feels right to me. My journey into the art world was non-traditional, and I feel no need to conform to any patterns. If something feels misaligned with who I am as an artist and a person, I’ll walk away.
Image courtesy of the artist
Looking ahead, what directions do you see your art taking? Are there new themes, techniques, or collaborations that you are excited to explore?
SYMBLE: Currently, I’m focusing on progressing my craft and learning daily; with that being said, I’m also working on a new character that I’ll gradually introduce into my artwork.
Lastly, could you share the philosophy that guides your art? How do you see the role of art in your life and its importance in shaping your career and broader worldview?
SYMBLE: For me, I would say art is a way of life, so I strongly believe life is what you make it, so continue creating.
©2024 SYMBLE
Len is a curator and a contributing writer at Art Plugged, a platform for contemporary art; he also engages in web development, design, and marketing.
