Motel Seven, has made waves in the art world with her unique graffiti style. Coming from a scene where street art transitions into gallery exhibitions, she stands out as one of the few artists who successfully bridges this gap.
With her Japanese manga-inspired paintings, Motel Seven combines elements of beauty, melancholy, and a touch of surrealism. Motel Seven emerged as a prominent figure in the graffiti scene, gaining attention from London to Los Angeles.
Unlike many artists who confine their work to the streets, she successfully extended her art practice into gallery spaces. This transition allowed her to reach a wider audience and showcase her talent beyond the limitations of the urban landscape.
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As one of the first white women to paint graffiti in post-apartheid South Africa, Motel Seven played a significant role in diversifying the graffiti culture. While black South Africans had already embraced Hip Hop culture through political and conscious rap, non-political graffiti gained popularity in the late 1990s. Motel Seven’s presence challenged stereotypes and brought a fresh perspective to the art form.
Initially adopting the name “Misty” to highlight her female identity, Motel Seven later embraced the moniker “MOTELSEVEN.” This gender-neutral tag allowed her to communicate her message and exercise her artistry without the gender-related stigma she faced in everyday life. Graffiti became the world in which she could freely explore herself, indulging in her artistic expression without the need for explanation.
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Motel Seven’s talent has taken her to cities all over the world, leaving her mark on walls and buildings. Her work is instantly recognizable, characterized by brightly colored geometric letters deconstructed to the point of animation.
To add a touch of humour and accessibility, she often incorporates goofy characters into her art. Evolving from her earlier works, Motel Seven’s art now features women who exude defiance and determination, symbolizing the struggle to break free from societal constraints.
