GROWN UP IN BRITAIN (2020)
YOUTH CLUB ARCHIVES
GrownUpInBritain.com is a new digital submission campaign inviting the public to unite, interact and publically share memories of what it’s like growing up in Britain whilst in social isolation. The project encourages people to pull out old family albums and share their youth culture memories with the nation through an integrated upload platform supported by free printable activities and games to promote connection & wellbeing indoors.
CRXSS PLATFXRM are partnering with Youth Club Archives to put a microscope on what it was like for Street Culture artists growing up in Britain and how upbringing, the teenage years and early career experiences has shaped their art and outlook. Featured artists are Duran, M.I.C, Tracy Sada and Will Pegna.
DURAN
INSTAGRAM
LOCATION – North London
ARTISTIC STATEMENT - As a multidisciplinary artist, my practice continues to change form as I do. I move between performing, mentoring, directing, styling and creating content for digital and live spaces using street dance style "Shway" as the centre of my expression.
What was your favourite look?
My favourite look now is the same as my favourite look growing up. I’m inspired by how my mum dressed me in boyish fits but with girly touches like an oversized sports tee, platform trainers and a ribbon tied around a pony tail
Describe your teenage years?
DURAN: My teenage years were a little crazy. I ran away from home at 15 and moved all over London with my boyfriend at the time. I was disowned by my very strict Turkish mum which ended up becoming my chance for freedom to find myself and do what I wanted. It was a really difficult time and I had to grow up fast so in a lot of ways I feel like I got to experience the ‘fun teenage years’ later on than most girls I knew.
What were your creative inspirations then?
DURAN: My creative inspirations then were music videos and fashion magazines. I was always very visual and would watch music video channels for hours. I was inspired by the different fashion, music, choreography, storylines and now I can see those inspirations showing through my current work.
M.I.C
Instagram
LOCATION – South Tottenham
ARTISTIC STATEMENT - I have ambitions of becoming the premier grime artist. My love of musical experimentation will take me there.
What was your top tune growing up?
M.I.C: Coming Undone With It - Dem Franchize Boyz and Korn. I had this on loop during my GCSEs.
What was your best gig?
M.I.C: My best ever show was probably Tyler, the Creator in 2013, at the O2 in Islington. I got a pink corduroy GOLF cap (that I still wear to this day). I took some polaroid’s (that I never got developed). I realised the kind of performer I wanted to be that day.
Describe your teenage bedroom
M.I.C: Messy and covered in copies of Nintendo Official Magazine. I collected it for about 6 years, and had lots of obscure game memorabilia. I also had an old Mac in my room, which I used to use to make AMVs (anime music videos).
LOCATION – South East London
ARTISTIC STATEMENT - Stemming from a prior investment in dance my art practice takes on a multidisciplinary approach. At the moment I am gravitating towards movement direction and composition, specifically looking at conceptual logistics behind the creative and athletic processes of a physical performer. My artistic trajectory is malleable to the ideas that interest me at the time but underlying themes and aesthetics continue to emerge. I take to working in performance, video, drawing and text within my processes.
What or who inspired you to be an artist?
WILL: I think from an early age it was pretty engrained in me. My dad made street theatre and my mum was a musician. They did some amazing projects and shows back then and it was just part of my upbringing. I guess that is the starting point.
What was a memorable trip away?
WILL: First time in South Korea. I was 15 I think. A complete culture shock and back then the Korean Breakin’ scene was formidable.
What was your top tune growing up?
WILL: The Cinematic Orchestra ft. Roots Manuva - All Things To All Men
LOCATION – Kent but South London at heart
ARTISTIC STATEMENT - I am a musician. I am a producer. I am a visual artist. I am doing my bit, following my dreams and changing the world.
Who were you a fan of growing up?
TRACY: I loved Britney and Nsync like I would always look forward to their performances on MTV. Then my teenage years was where I was shifting towards Hiphop and Grime. My father would bring these bootleg dvds from Nigeria which were a compilation of hiphop music videos from Jay Z to Ja Rule. My brother and I would just sit and watch for hours . I would also spend time going to the library just to listen to Dizzee Rascal .
What was your favourite look?
TRACY: Always gold eye shadow, black eyeliner and chunky boots.
Describe your teenage years?
TRACY: A undocumented girl living in south London, sharing a room with her mother and brother. Surviving!