JEEJ
OFF THE WALLS
By Isha Sesay

Known for bringing graffiti into the high-end world, Jeej has developed his own distinctive style that breathes nostalgia. With his artworks constantly evolving, the artist takes inspiration from the world around him, where he is able to translate his own life experiences onto each canvas. Joining the Elysium concept at Blue Marlin Ibiza this summer, Jeej will captivate the audience with a showcase of live art.

You describe your path to becoming a graffiti artist as atypical, where your upbringing contrasted against its culture. Tell us more about your journey.
Despite my love for graffiti culture, I’m not your typical graffiti artist. Although I spend most of my time painting and creating, my affinities extend beyond the spray can to embrace luxuries like fashion, upscale dining, jewellery and travel. This mix of interests doesn’t really fit with the usual graffiti artist image of people who often rebel against mainstream and materialistic values. My friends outside the graffiti scene couldn’t quite understand why I’d sneak out at night to paint. To avoid discussion, I kept this side of myself hidden from many people for a long time. But in 2020, I decided to just be me, combining my love for unpolished, authentic graffiti with a love for the finer things in life. This blend is natural for me. It’s who I am.                              

Source of inspiration?
What really drives me to create is pulling from my own life experiences. I’m also a big fan of nostalgia. Those icons and stories from the past that instantly bring a smile to your face and take you back to the simpler days of childhood. But if I had to pick one thing that really gets me flowing, it’d be the magic of contrasts. I love smashing together things that don’t seem to belong. Mixing gritty, raw graffiti techniques with the sweet, innocent vibes of a childhood character. It’s like they both get a new lease on life and that fusion really speaks to me on a personal level.

What message are you trying to evoke by connecting your work with the high-end world?
I’m all about challenging how we judge beauty and to nudge people to appreciate it in things they’d normally overlook. It’s about dropping those initial judgments. This approach isn’t just about making something more appealing than it seems; it’s something I’ve been doing since I was a kid, and it’s woven into my work today.

This summer you will create art live at Blue Marlin Ibiza for the Elysium concept. What can guests expect to experience?
I really want to build a bridge between my signature contrasted elements and the vibe, music and location. I plan to mix techniques, mixed-media and vibrant colours, showing how my work can play with and enhance the atmosphere of a place known for its beauty and spirit. My work often involves contrasting elements and I’m excited to explore how these can resonate with this concept.

Where is your work taking you?
My journey in art has been incredible. In just a short span, it’s opened doors to meet some of the most creative and inspiring individuals and I have now done exciting collaborations with established names. It’s also given me the opportunity to travel and see beautiful places around the world that I might not have experienced otherwise. I feel deeply grateful for the chance to contribute to the beauty of the world, but my vision stretches beyond: I’m aiming to expand my work across the globe, to have even more space for my creativity and continue to bring joy and inspiration to people.

Read Jeej interview on BMI:MAG limited edition, find your copy at @bluemarlinibiza and throughout Ibiza’s hotspots