Last Updated on 27. June 2022

The works by street artist Zabou can be found all over London. Personally, I am such a big fan of her big portraits and I am super happy to have her in this episode of “Meet the Londoner”.

Meet the Londoner – Zabou

Dear Zabou, please introduce yourself briefly to my readers.

Who are you?

I’m Zabou, a French street artist based in London and I paint large-scale realistic portraits around the world!

Where were you born?

In the Loire region in France.

What brought you to London?

I moved to London for my studies about 10 years ago, when I did a Master Degrees in Visual Arts. Then I started working and painting in the street, and London became my home.

How old were you when you discovered your talents?

When I was very small – the first object I picked as a baby was a pencil, and I guess it never left my hand ha!

How does your process for creating a piece of art look like?

To paint a mural I always start with having photos and information about the space, I research about the place and project. Once I have found the theme or have an idea, I do a photoshoot with someone (unless I’m using a specific existing photograph) and create a design from those images. Then I plan the colours and material. Once everything is prepared, I start the mural with my outlines, the background and then slowly fill it bit by bit.

How do you choose the person(s) to go into your work?

Unless there’s a specific request (for instance for a known person), I usually find either someone local to where I’m painting, or that has a link to it – but sometimes it’s also friends or people I know. It’s quite an intimate process to paint someone’s portrait and it has brought me closer to many people.

Which message do you want to share with your works?

I want my works to convey emotions to those who view them, maybe surprise them, make them wonder, make them smile… Even though every of my artworks has an intention or message behind, I also want people to interpret them freely as they see them.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Still with sprays in my hands, painting the world.

What do you think: why are there still so few women in street art?

At this point now there are actually a lot of women in both the street art and graffiti scene, even though we are still a minority. Over the last decade there has been a huge increase and a lot of light has been shined on many talented ladies out there. Everyday I discover new ones and new ones join this movement.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

To find balance in everything.

Where can we buy your work?

Through my website (for prints) and at Saatchi Gallery (for originals).

Where is your dream location for a painting?

Very good question. I’m not sure it would be a country but more about a very unusual space, for example imagine a castle, a stadium or a big boat.

Zabou about London

What’s a must-see sight in London?

I’d say the best way to start is with a walk along the Thames, starting from Tower Bridge and going all the way up to Westminster. On the way you’ll get to see the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, St Paul’s, Big Ben etc.

3 words to describe London

Lively, Multicultural, Expensive

Where do you go for a good breakfast?

By The Bridge cafe in Hoxton

The craziest food you ever had in London is?

I haven’t found it yet!

The best museum in London is…?

Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington

The coolest bar is…?

Number90 in Hackney Wick

Your favourite part of London?

North-East

Which was your first piece of art in London and is it still visible?

The very first was in Stockwell hall of fame, and it’s long gone.

Some fun stuff about Zabou

Which is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

Tough questions ha! Probably caramel.

Gin and Tonic or Pimm’s?

None: Old fashioned.

Favourite Tube line?

Overground. You can look outside, it’s fresh in summer and it connects London all around.

Zabou on Social Media

Dearest Zabou, thanks so much for the interview. I can’t wait to see you live in action in London soon.

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