Introduction:
The 2.5 Urban Initiative celebrates artists who bring urban life to the forefront of their work, turning cityscapes into spaces of reflection, imagination, and transformation. This year’s winners shared their journeys, inspirations, and creative processes, revealing the depth of thought behind their award-winning pieces.

What inspired your winning piece?

“The inspiration came from a deeply personal moment one night as I lay in bed. I felt as though the boundaries between myself and the world dissolved—I became fluid, merging with everything outside my window. It was serene and sensory, as if I was drifting through cracks and becoming one with my surroundings.

This fleeting, intuitive experience became the core of my creative process. I aim to keep my senses fully open, allowing the environment to guide me through its sounds, scents, and atmosphere. It’s about capturing those moments that are both transient and transformative.”

How do urban environments influence your creative process?

“Living in London plays a huge role in shaping my work. The city’s immense, fast-paced energy, with countless events unfolding simultaneously, heightens my sensory awareness. It’s this duality of feeling both deeply immersed and oddly detached that I find so compelling. I often observe the city while also feeling removed from it, and that tension informs my art. Urban life is layered and complex, and my work tries to reflect that while imbuing it with a sense of ethereal detachment.”

What was the journey of creating this piece like?

“This piece involved a lot of experimentation with physical materials. I worked with gel-like substances, throwing them onto flat surfaces to extract unique patterns. Later, I refined those patterns through post-processing, adding rich layers and vibrant colors.

The biggest challenge was translating the surreal, abstract feeling that originally inspired me into a visual form. It required balancing layers and combining elements to evoke depth and energy while staying true to that initial sensation. The exploration of materials also took time—finding the right textures and techniques was an intense but rewarding process.

Ultimately, the most gratifying part was seeing the piece come together as a visual expression of something deeply personal. It felt like I had captured the essence of that moment of dissolution and connection.”

How does your work reflect the spirit of the 2.5 Urban Initiative?

“My piece aligns with the festival’s themes of using art to transcend the constraints of everyday life. It’s about transporting viewers into another world through abstract, dynamic, and vibrant visuals. By integrating surreal imagery into a familiar urban context, I hope to create a sense of disconnection that’s paradoxically vibrant and harmonious. It’s a momentary escape but also a chance to reimagine the world around us.”

How has your art evolved, and what does this piece say about your growth as an artist?

“My work was more fragmented in its early days. The relationship between elements often felt disjointed, and I was hesitant to use bold colors or high saturation for fear of overwhelming the composition. Over time, as I’ve experienced different cities and environments, my confidence in using color, texture, and form has grown.

This piece represents a significant shift in my artistic approach. It’s bolder, louder, and more dynamic than my previous works, yet it retains a subtle, introspective core. That tension between the energetic surface and the deeper thematic resonance is something I’m proud of.”

What advice would you give to aspiring artists, especially those exploring urban themes?

“Pay attention to the small details in everyday life—those fleeting moments often hold the most unexpected inspiration. At the same time, don’t get lost in the minutiae. It’s important to maintain a broader perspective and trust your instincts. Balancing the micro and macro allows your work to be nuanced yet cohesive.

Most importantly, don’t fear failure. It’s part of the creative process. Those so-called mistakes are often where the most innovation happens.”

What’s next for you after this project?

“I’m already working on a new series that explores the essence of emotions and their connection to structures and existence. I’m fascinated by the interplay between emotion and machinery—how these seemingly opposing domains can intersect on a fundamental level.

This next project might include installation elements to create a multi-sensory experience. I’m also eager to push the boundaries of materials, incorporating things like light concrete to explore balance, structure, and texture in new ways.”

What does winning the 2.5 Urban Initiative mean to you?

“It’s an incredible honor and a meaningful validation of my work. Being part of such a vibrant initiative encourages me to continue pushing forward in my creative journey. Knowing that my piece resonated with this context gives me confidence to keep evolving and exploring.

This isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a reminder to stay bold in my approach and continue reflecting on the intersection of art, culture, and community.”

How do you hope to inspire the next wave of urban artists?

“I think the best way to inspire others is by staying true to your creative instincts and being open about the ups and downs of the journey. Everyone’s path is different, and if my work adds another voice to the urban art scene, that’s a win in itself. I hope to encourage others to trust their unique perspectives and embrace the challenges of creating something original.”