Alec Monopoly: The Monopoly Man

The unidentified New York-born graffiti artist Alec Andon, popularly known as Alec Monopoly talks about loving Indian figurative paintings, enjoying P. Diddy’s music and not being able to live without his top hat!

You were born in New York and now reside in LA. How would you describe the art scene in both these cities?

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In my opinion, NYC is the birthplace of graffiti, and LA is where street art flourished and became accepted in people’s living rooms. NYC still has a Vandal Squad that prosecutes and arrests graffiti artists. However, street art is much more accepted and less villianised definition in LA; so there is art on every street corner and building.

Did you always want to be an artist?

My mother is an artist, so I was raised with a paint brush in my hand. I had always dreamt of being an artist.

When did you start with graffiti?

I’ve been doing street art for about a decade now. I was originally inspired to take my art to the streets during the economic crisis in 2008, when the whole world felt like it was falling apart.

What’s the story behind the Monopoly Man?

I originally started painting Bernard Lawrence ‘‘Bernie’’ Madoff, an American fraudster and a former stockbroker, when he was in the news, and realised he reminded me of the Monopoly Guy. That, then transitioned into the painting, “Pennybags” from Monopoly.

How did Richie Rich come into play?

Richie Rich and Scrooge (the lead character from Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol. He plays a cold-hearted miser who despises Christmas), both fit naturally with my work, since they represent capitalism, wealth and success.

You have collaborated with Forever 21. Any possibilities of launching your own brand of clothing and accessories?

I’ve always wanted to do my own clothing line, but decided to wait until the time was right. Forever 21 gave me a platform to release a line of clothing that would be affordable to all of my followers, especially the ones who can’t afford original pieces of my art. Seeing Forever 21 promote our collaboration at the Times Square on the Jumbotron was one of the most humbling moments of my career. Launching my own brand has always been a dream of mine and something I am hoping to announce very soon.

After these collaborations, what can we expect next?

I recently launched a collaboration with the mobile messaging application ‘Viber’, that has been very positive. I plan on doing more with them on a worldwide scale this year. I also have additional museum shows, which I will be announcing shortly.

Tell us about your first museum exhibition in Bangkok, at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

It was an honour to unveil my first-ever solo museum exhibition, at MOCA, Bangkok, in 2015. They gave me complete creative control. I think, Bangkok is a very exciting and up and coming city. I have been fortunate to make some amazing friends there. Hence, I can’t wait to go back! The show itself was a bit chaotic since it’s not easy to get all the supplies in Bangkok. So I had to scramble and make do with paints and materials that I wasn’t used to working with.

What has been the biggest career defining moment of your life?

Seeing my art on the Jumbotrons of Times Square during the launch of the Forever 21 collaboration. That definitely was pretty humbling and mind blowing.

How do you come up with street art before you spray paint it?

For large-scale murals, I take a lot of time mapping out the entire installation and figuring out what colours and background images I’m going to use. For street graffiti pieces, I come up with the colour schemes and ideas on the spot.

Tell us about your obsessions.

I’d say the biggest thing would be the top hat. I found an old top hat that belonged to my grandfather in the attic, a few years ago, and thought it would be funny to wear an old top hat like the Monopoly Guy. So, the style stuck on and now I bring a top hat with me everywhere.

How would you relate fashion to street art?

I think fashion and art have always gone hand-in-hand, and now that street art is the most rebellious counter culture form of art, it seems that the fashion industry has suddenly taken notice.

Do you listen to music?

Of course, music dictates my mood! If I’m trying to party, I’ll listen to a lot of French Montana or P. Diddy to turn up, but if I’m in the studio chilling, I listen to my friend DJ Kygo a lot, whose music is very relaxing and easy on the ears.

What are some of the most exciting projects that you’ve worked on, so far?

I really enjoyed spending time at the Art Basel in Miami, where I focussed on painting large murals for ‘Viber’ in Wynwood instead of running around to events the whole week as I have done in the past. It was great getting back to the roots of street art and painting outdoors in front of crowds...even though the monsoon rains made it a bit crazy to paint!

Have you ever visited India?

Not yet, but it is on my short list of places. I absolutely must visit in 2016...you guys will need to be my tour guide!

What are your views on the Indian art industry?

I have always loved the older, more traditional Indian artworks, especially figurative, colourful images.

What kind of artwork would you create if it were to be inspired by India?

Colourful, positive and spiritual works.

What advice would you give to aspiring fashion students around the world?

Never give up on your dreams, and while it’s important to get other people’s opinions, never let that dictate your final decisions. Always go with your instinct.

What are your plans for 2016?

I am excited to do another solo exhibition in Casablanca, Morocco, with Gallery 38. I will also begin officially working with the Opera Gallery in London, which has always been a dream of mine. They work with some fantastic artists and I’m honoured that they will begin exhibiting my works.

Rapid Fire

Your favourite city in the world… Los Angeles.

Favourite fashion designer and artist… My boy Nick Fouquet is my favourite designer right now, he makes the coolest custom hats in the world. My favourite living artist would have to be George Condo.

Keith Haring or Jean-Michel Basquiat… Keith Haring.

Favourite street artist… Banksy.

Are you an art collector? Yes, I love both emerging contemporary art and street art.

What would one find in your house? I just bought a Cleon Peterson painting; he’s another street artist from LA that I’m a fan of.

Favourite item in your closet… My top hats of course!

Any last words… Can’t wait to visit India!

From the March 2016 issue of L’Officiel India.