Abdullah Alenezi, better known as Nizzy, is a 33-year-old Kuwaiti graffiti artist whose colorful and charming works have brightened urban spaces and captivated audiences. "There was a lot of experimentation, but I landed on colors and cute styles to spread smiles,” says Nizzy. His unique blend of cultural elements and contemporary aesthetics creates art that is both joyful and thought-provoking. In an interview with Kuwait Times, Nizzy shared his artistic journey, the inspirations behind his work and the positive impact of his murals on the streets of Kuwait and beyond.
Kuwait Times: Is graffitiing your full-time job?
Abdullah Alenezi: Graffitiing is a side job - I’m a full-time marketer at STC.
KT: What inspired you to start creating graffiti art?
Alenezi: The colors grabbed my attention - they were wild and followed no rules.
KT: How would you describe your artistic style, what makes you different and how has it evolved over the years?
Alenezi: There was a lot of experimentation, but I landed on colors and cute styles to spread smiles.
KT: What are some of the key themes or messages you aim to convey through your work?
Alenezi: Stay playful - it keeps you young.
KT: Can you share any particular challenges you’ve faced as a graffiti artist in Kuwait?
Alenezi: Graffiti art was misunderstood a lot in the beginning, but the public grew to love it.
KT: Name a person who has helped to support graffiti art in Kuwait.
Alenezi: Shahad Bshara, founder of Visual Therapy. In my opinion, graffiti wouldn’t be what it is today without her contributions to this form of art.
KT: Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your work?
Alenezi: I was influenced by the 7th Letter Crew, mainly Revok and Saber, who are artists from LA.
KT: How do you perceive the public’s reaction to graffiti art in Kuwait?
Alenezi: Not a lot of people want to admit it - I don’t know why. Maybe they like to seem like they struggled, but the public reacts very well to locals learning new things and growing talents.
KT: Has the Palestinian cause influenced your art?
Alenezi: I don’t usually speak about politics on social media, but Palestine has always been the only political topic I’d speak up about. That is shown in one of my graffiti art where I have painted the word ‘Palestine’, a watermelon and the keffiyeh.
KT: How do you see graffiti art evolving in Kuwait?
Alenezi: Graffiti art is heading into a very corporate direction, and I wish people are able to paint freely without any restrictions. But I have to admit, Kuwait still has a lot of talented artists.
KT: How do you think graffiti art can contribute to the cultural and social landscape of Kuwait?
Alenezi: Kuwait will be a more colorful place with graffiti art, and I believe that a vibrant atmosphere has a huge impact on positivity.
KT: What advice would you give to young, aspiring graffiti artists in the region?
Alenezi: Graffitiing is just like going to the gym. If you want to succeed, you have to keep doing it, never stop practicing. It is always discipline over motivation.