President Barack Obama is reelected another four years at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. after Tuesday’s general election.
However, according to spray paint artist Chor Boogie’s series “The Divided States of America,” he poses the question “Will we plot the right course to bring America from divided to united?”
Here is what the politically-driven has to say about his American story.
Daily 49er: How have you come up with your pieces? Is there a systematic process or do they appear in dreams and through everyday inspiration?
Chor Boogie: Well, I would like to say its more like improv, simply because a lot of my work just flows from the heart, mind, body and soul. All of those elements are incorporated in each work.
D49er: How was it growing up and aspiring to be an artist? Did your parents support your artistic endeavors?
CB: Actually it was fun growing up as an artist. I have been an artist since I was five years old. Before it became a profession, there basically was not a single worry. The ambition to strive for being a successful artist had more feeling to it. And yes, my parents did support [me] and still do.
D49er: Who are your biggest influences?
CB: From a historical standpoint, Michelangelo, Salvador Dali, Gustav Klimt and Caravaggio. From a spray paint standpoint, [I’d say] more contemporary spray paint artists such as Phase2, Riff 170 and Vulcan.
D49er: Have you checked out the murals and art scene in Long Beach, Calif.? If so, what can you say about what you’ve seen?
CB: The murals from Long Beach are interesting yet amazing, especially the one Wyland did on the Long Beach Arena. It’s astonishing.
D49er: Have you heard of Bryan Lewis Saunders? After being sober, did you notice any change in your work? Were you at all influenced by psychedelics at some point, or mainly opiates?
CB: I have not heard of him, but just recently looked at this work. It’s pretty crazy man, but [it] looks like an interesting experiment that i can relate to. But yes, it was the major street drugs [I was on]. After I became sober, of course the work just had more substance and meaning.
D49er: If you could tell your 10-year-old self something, what would it be? What about your 60-year-old self?
CB: To my 10-year-old self, I would say live your life the best you can, and don’t limit yourself to expectations. To my 60-year-old self: live your life the best you can along with its imperfect perfections, but still don’t limit your self to expectations.
D49er: Are there any other known spray paint artists? Which artists in general do you feel’s work has impacted society in a political manner?
CB: There are many other well know spray paint artists even more known than I am. When it comes to an artist in this genre that has impacted society in a political manner, the only two that come to mind are Banksy and Shepard Fairey who both have an amazing style.
D49er: Do you dabble in any other forms of art?
CB: Not really. I have been getting into making some beats on my computer, but I have and would dabble some more in sculpting.
D49er: Do you have a music player? If so, what were the last five tracks you’ve listened to?
CB: I’ll give you the last albums: Death Grips, El-P, Eels, Cancer for the Cure, Meedoon, Analog Brothers and Midnite.
D49er: Are you voting in the Nov. 6 general election? What message do you have for the youth and in getting them to vote?
CB: Voting is personal. The “Divided State of America” series are my contribution to the message.
D49er: What can we expect from you in the future?
CB: More amazing creations.
To check out more work from Chor Boogie, follow him on Instagram or like his Facebook fan page.