Hello IN THE WOUP, could you tell us more about the person behind this pseudonym? And about the choice of this pseudonym?
I was born before Google and after the release of the Nintendo NES, and I grew up with Club Dorothée.
Regarding my tag, I took the name from the folder “Woup” where I kept photos of my artwork when I first started out in Nancy. A fellow street artist kept telling me, “You have to find a name for yourself, it’s essential.” In the folder, “Woup” became IN THE WOUP.
What was your first contact with urban art? What made you want to get involved in it?
I started mosaics in 2009 in Nancy, if my memory serves me right. Before that, I had mainly experimented with stencils, collage, and drawing. My first mosaics were inspired by video game sprites from the 80s and 90s, like Tetris, Mario Bros., and Zelda.
I then refined my technique and creative vision through the MARIO WORLDZ PROJECT: crossovers between Mario Bros. and other universes. I've completed almost 400 crossovers on tablets and installed around 200 mosaics in 12 countries (the most recent being the Sultanate of Oman). Years of practice, research, and exchanges with other artists have shaped my style and technique. For example, I no longer paint my tiles; it takes longer, even though my color palette is more limited. In my early days, I used to go out at night for fear of getting caught ( laughs ). That time seems so long ago now.
Why was this technique chosen?
Why mosaics in particular? I won't lie, I don't remember exactly... A love of old-school video games, I suppose. I grew up with the NES/SNES and the Game Boy in an era when pixels reigned supreme. A few pixels were enough to tell a story, and imagination took care of the rest. Street art gives me a feeling of freedom I can't find anywhere else. An idea transforms into a creation that, once installed in a public space, resonates with thousands of strangers, evoking positive feelings in them. I find it both crazy and magical.
If you had to define your style in 3 words, what would they be?
Pixel. Pixel. Pixel ( laughs ). If I had to dig a little deeper, I'd say: minimalist, colorful, and flashback. Because my work takes the audience back to a specific moment in their lives, often childhood, and always to pleasant moments.
Can you tell us more about your creative process?
The mosaics I create measure approximately 70 cm by 50 cm, depending on the figures, and require several hours of work in the studio. The creation process involves the following steps: graphic design on a tablet, assembling the tiles, applying the plastic film with a handle, grouting, and drying time. Then, all that's left is to find the perfect spot!
What are your main sources of inspiration?
I'm a real sponge. Every story, universe, game, etc., that has ever touched me is likely to end up pixelated by me. Well, if I manage it! ( laughs )
Sometimes I'm not satisfied with the result, so I put the creation aside and try again a few months or years later. Generally speaking, my characters are inspired by literature, manga, video games, comics, TV series, and movies.
What do you consider the ideal spot to display your artwork?
Very high up to prevent passersby from damaging the artwork, and in a high-traffic area. Ideally, a wall in good condition so that the mosaic is showcased effectively and in an original setting.
Can you tell us about your first mosaic (from the idea to its installation)?
Like the artist Pwixel.art , I randomly searched for a pixel art piece on Google. A Luigi holding a pint of beer, installed in 2009 in Nancy.
What cities and countries have you invaded?
I've installed 171 mosaics in 52 cities across 12 countries: France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the USA, India, Canada, Croatia, and most recently, the Sultanate of Oman. For your information, I completed my first French tour in April 2022, the MARIO WORLDZ TOUR. A crazy challenge: 10 cities visited in 7 days, 40 mosaics installed, and 2,224 km traveled! For those interested, a documentary series retracing the journey is available on YouTube.
A favorite mosaic?
Being an artist is like being a parent, we say we don't have a favorite, but that's not true ( laughs ). I do have a few that I really connect with: R2-D2, Charizard, Michelangelo, Link, and Jiraiya, to name just five.
Do you have a bad experience to tell us about?
None !
I have always received a very warm welcome from passers-by and the public in general. I regularly receive messages via Instagram thanking me, and it touches me every time.
What are your artistic projects and aspirations for this year?
For 2024, I'm aiming high! I've just started a collaboration with a gallery in Lyon and Paris, and I'm currently working on my new collection, which will consist of ten mosaics (available in April). I'll also continue to release limited-edition prints and capsule collections (embroidered clothing) on an occasional basis.
There will also be collaborations with other artists, but not only that, as well as the creation of gigantic works (several meters high).
Not forgetting my art book which will compile 400 creations and many anecdotes about my artistic project.
You'll be hearing from me this year!
What's your wildest dream?
Discovering that I am a wizard, or a Jedi… my heart is torn.
From an artistic standpoint, it would involve a major solo exhibition. The project is ready on paper; all that's missing is the space to host it! Calling all gallery owners and others.
And finally, which artist would you like me to interview for the next portrait?
Go check out MifaMosa, he's really nice!
How can I obtain a work by IN THE WOUP?
The easiest way is to visit my website ( www.inthewoup.com ) and go to the SHOP section. There you'll find limited edition prints for €60 as well as unique mosaic pieces starting at €2500. Alternatively, you can also find artwork at my current partner, the Art Génération gallery (LYON - PARIS).
How can I follow you (website, Instagram account, Flasher username…)?
Website: www.inthewoup.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inthewoup
Instagram / Twitter / TikTok : @inthewoup
Artsper: https://www.artsper.com/fr/artistes-contemporains/france/75849/in-the-woup
NOVA Radio: https://www. nova .fr/news/in-the-woup-woup-182260-13-04-2022/
A big thank you to IN THE WOUP for their participation 🙏
And we conclude with the artist's official bio.
IN THE WOUP is a French street artist based in Lyon. He has been using mosaics for his creations for about ten years. The concept of his art project MARIO WORLDZ PROJECT is to answer this question: "What if Mario Bros had more costumes? Like, a lot more…".
He creates crossovers with the universes he loves. Each work is unique and pays homage to characters from literature, manga, video games, comics, TV series, and film. To date, approximately 400 characters have been created.
You can find his creations in many countries: France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, USA, India, Canada, Croatia and more recently in the Sultanate of Oman.
He completed his first French tour in April 2022, the MARIO WORLDZ TOUR. A crazy undertaking: 10 cities visited in 7 days, 40 mosaics installed, and 2224 km traveled! A documentary series retracing the journey is available on YouTube.
Photo credits INTHEWOUP
