OaKoAK: the smartest street artist on the block
- Text by Megan White
- Photography by OaKoAK
![OaKoAK: the smartest street artist on the block](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/oakoak-huck_2023-03-27-081221_rnjc.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
OaKoAk, a street artist hailing from Saint Etienne, France, transforms mundane objects using cleverly placed, humorous doodles – “finding the imperfections in the streets or on the walls and playing with them.”
He’s primarily inspired by his hometown, which he says is, “A former industrial and mining town that has evolved over the last 30 years. I feel that it is a laboratory city where you can try what you want. I love this place, and although for many this city has a black image, it is a huge playground, open to everything new – unpretentious.”
An office worker by day, street artist by night, OaKoAK is somewhat mysterious, refusing to speak about himself – “I never give news about me. The most important thing is my work, not me.”
But we were lucky enough to speak to him about what inspires him to create and his biggest piece of advice.
What inspired you to start creating street art?
I walk a lot in the streets listening to music and sometimes I find inspiration and the perfect place for an intervention.
What do you think about street artists selling out?
If it allows them to live and to buy their supplies for their art, it’s cool.
Which street artists inspire you the most?
I really like SPy, Pejac, Fra Biancoshcok and Varini.
What do you do when you’re not doing street art?
I try to travel, to discover a lot of different places or countries.
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but not had the chance?
II would like to travel more and discover more countries.
What’s your biggest piece of advice?
The most important is really to do something you like and I think that everybody can draw or stick in the street.
For more on OaKoAK, check out his website.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
![Autism cannot be cured — stop trying](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/shutterstock_2322534063.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
![Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Hashem-Shakeri-from-the-series-_Staring-into-the-Abyss_.-%C2%A9-Hashem-Shakeri.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
![Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/web-Eyanna-has-always-been-Maliks-primary-caregiver.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/7_ULTRAMAGNETIC-MCS_NYC-1990.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen
![In photos: the dogs of Dogtown](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/saguy_dogtown_02_RGB.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
In photos: the dogs of Dogtown
A new photobook documents Venice Beach’s four legged friends and their colourful cast of owners.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![Inside the battle to stop coal](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/DSC00173.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Inside the battle to stop coal
As the legal challenge against Britain’s first deep coal mine in 30 years reaches the High court, we talk to activists at the centre of the fight to stop it.
Written by: Ben Smoke