Durban-born graffiti artist Shaun Oakley adds pops of colour to uninspiring spaces.
Who is ‘That Damn Vandal’?
In a nutshell, my name is Shaun Oakley and I am a 33-year-old South African graffiti artist, illustrator and dad. I have a 20-year background in graffiti with a Bachelor of Arts degree in visual communication.
How did you stumble into the world of graffiti?
When I was in high school, I used to skateboard around. I started noticing art and the graffiti in the areas that we would skate in. The older I got, the more curious I became with graffiti and slowly transitioned into it in my late teens.
What has been your favourite project that you’ve worked on to date?
It would probably have to be one of my most recent ones at Rustenburg Mall. I painted three massive murals for them at each mall entrance, as well as designed the wallpaper within the mall and their boardroom. I’ve always wanted to paint in a mall, and this almost feels like my own private gallery for millions to see. It was an amazing experience.
Can you tell us more about your design process?
Firstly, I find all reference material that I need for the project in particular. My own photos, online sources and past experiences are where I draw inspiration from. I take bits and pieces of these images, re-sketch them with a fineliner and scan all the illustrations onto my computer. I edit what needs to be adjusted and clean it up using my software (Adobe for the win). It then gets transferred onto the wall using tons of spray paint and my creative eye.
Any brands that you admire or hope to work with in the near future?
I’d love to work with MARKET (formerly Chinatown Market) or The Hundreds. Their work is really edgy and out there, something I’m gravitating towards.
What would you say is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
The most rewarding thing about what I do is that I get to work for myself everyday. The personal messages from the public and young artists, telling me that I inspire them daily is another thing that keeps me focused, driven and passionate about my art.
If you weren’t a graffiti artist, what would you see yourself pursuing as a career path?
Perhaps a fashion designer? I haven’t really given it much thought because I’m so happy with what I do that I can’t imagine a different career path.
What’s next on the agenda for That Damn Vandal?
I’ve got a few walls lined up in the coming months. I have recently started painting cars as well and I am busy working on a
new direction for my business that is still in early development, but when it does happen – it’s going to be huge. I am also planning on hosting my third exhibition in Joburg as soon as Covid-19 leaves us and it’s safe.
Words: Yashna Balwanth | Photography: Courtesy images
