DODO is a Tel Aviv street artist specializing in Paste Ups (graffiti stickers).
His works are figurative, contemporary and pop art style. Some works are cut according to the central figure shape and some are square / rectangular.
DODO uses a technique where the artist creates the work on the computer/studio and paste it on the wall. In 2020, DODO began exhibiting his work in galleries in Tel Aviv.
In what year did you start creating on the street – tell us about the first time?
"I started creating on the street in 2019. The first time was pretty stressful. I was looking for an area where at night there were few people and zero cameras so I could feel free to paste on the wall. Occasionally people passed, looked for a moment and gladly continued on their way."
What is the origin of your nickname?
"My son started calling me DODO when he was a baby and over time other people around me adopted the nickname as well, so naturally I chose this nickname to represent my work."
What are the differences, for you, between creating in the studio and creating on the street?
"My work always starts with the computer, where I plan, create layers and only when the work is ready I send it to print and paste on the street. The only difference is that on the street the work is in hidden and underground, for fear of law enforcement. This adds to the unique atmosphere of the work on the street."
Why Pop Art?
"I've always connected to pop art – art for me is everywhere: in commercials, billboards, magazines, celebrity culture, fashion, food and more.
The whole point with pop art is that it does not appeal to your seriousness as a viewer and actually corresponds with kitsch, symbolism, superficiality, humor and most of all produces aesthetics of colorful fun. "
How do you choose the location for the next piece?
"In 2018, a very interesting street art scene began to develop in Tel-Aviv under the Ayalon Bridge in the Yarkon Park. Since I travel a lot in the park, something there turned me on and to this day most of my works hang there. Other works I choose to paste in the neighborhood near my home, which allows me to experience the dialogue between my art and the public. "
When do you like to create the most?
"My creativity is there all the time, even if I am not in front of the computer.
I am constantly exposed to different kinds of art and process it in my head. Many times it is not implemented. Inspiration is not something I can enforce whenever I want, but when it arrives it fills me with joy."
What are your work techniques?
"My technique is known in the world as ‘Paste Ups’, which is pasting papers on the wall using glue. But the work starts much earlier, using design and art software. My artwork always includes dozens of layers, one on top of the other, until they create the message or the aesthetic story I'm trying to convey. "
What are your sources of inspiration and who are the street artists who have most influenced / influence you?
"Being a pop art artist, my sources of inspiration are very broad and can include inspirations gathered during traveling in Israel and abroad, a mood I am in, commercials I see, TV shows, Instagram or people I meet.”
