VMF Academy Collection Artist: iHeart
iHeart is a Canadian street artist based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Using stencils, iHeart emphasizes the dark side of society’s obsession with technology. By bringing these digital elements into the street, iHeart obscures the boundary between life on and offline.
iHeart’s work has caught the attention of many passersby for years with quietly appearing street art that comes with profound messages and can be found throughout Vancouver including (but not limited to) the six pieces done with VMF between 2016 and 2019 and a mural for our #MakeArtWhileApart project at the start of the pandemic.
iHeart’s piece for the VMF Academy Collection is thought provoking and relatable, especially after what the world has gone through in the last year. In the artist statement, iHeart includes that “the incessant hum of city life and the cult of productivity make being still seem like poor time management. While my attention span is diminished and my propensity for escapism is at an all-time high, finding a moment of stillness can be arduous but rewarding. The intrinsic value of a butterfly landing on your hand may seem trivial, but nature has a profound way of anchoring you into the moment.”
VMF: The piece you chose for the Art Sale is particularly relatable given the last twelve months. Has society’s massive spike in Internet and social media usage influenced any other recent works for you?
iHeart: I wouldn’t say it hasn’t influenced my work as much as it has influenced my approach to working. I’ve spent more time in the studio than I ever have, while also churning out the least amount of work. I’ve tried to focus on my process and experimentation, which doesn’t necessarily yield any results.
VMF: Your work emphasizes the dark side of society’s obsession with technology, has any of your work (previous or upcoming) been influenced by the positives of technology?
iHeart: It’s a double-edged sword. I’m very cynical when it comes to social media and technology but I owe my success as an artist to it. It’s hard to reconcile the two. I think about approaching my work in a more positive light, but it’s not something I've done so earnestly.
VMF: Your work can be seen in many places around Vancouver. Do you have a favourite or one you feel particularly connected to?
iHeart: Over & Out in Strathcona was a fun mural to do. I hadn’t done anything too big up until that point so it was nice to challenge myself with scale and perspective and I’m happy with how it turned out.
VMF: We know your work production is based on anonymity but do you have any upcoming projects you can give a sneak peek into?
iHeart: I have been working on a new screen print that should be out mid-May. It’s a fun piece that I originally painted in LA a few years ago. Other than that I’m working on a slough of new work that will be finding their way outdoors in the near future.
Find iHeart’s work around Vancouver with our free Mobile App that includes an interactive map and mural details, or simply use the locations below:
“The Missing Piece” 5 East 8th Ave (in 7 ½ lane)
“Catch of the Day” 108 East Broadway
“Failure to Communicate” 2425 Main Street (in Main Alley)
“Thirsty” 2015 Main Street (in Main Alley)
“Over & Out” 875 East Hastings Street
“ Cover-Up UBC” 6138 Student Union Blvd - UBC Life Building (indoors)