Key Detail is HYxOffTheWall 2.0’s most local artist

The artist Andrei who works under the name Key Detail was born and raised in Belarus but now he makes his home in New York City - the Hudson Yards neighborhood, to be exact. So he was especially excited to be asked to contribute to HYxOffTheWall 2.0. You can see his mural, the largest one he has painted for his adopted city, on the Public Square and Gardens. But first let him tell you how he got to where he is, and why this particular piece is so special.

On his journey to street art:

I studied architecture, then worked for residential and commercial companies for about eight years. It took me that long to realize I needed more freedom to express my creativity. That’s when I started to produce my murals and illustrations.

On what it means to paint something in his neighborhood:

I live here with my wife and child, so my mural honors a community that I know is stronger together, happier together and better together. We come to the Public Square and Gardens everyday. It’s a cool place, really beautiful. You can chill here, but it also has a lot of energy.

On having his work displayed at Hudson Yards:

Hudson Yards is an important new piece of the city’s fabric, so I was glad to be chosen for this project. It really is an honor.

On why New York is a great place for street art:

This is a very walkable city, so its street art is accessible to everyone. That’s not always the case when it’s in a gallery or museum, where you need a certain level of access to view what’s inside.

On his creative process:

First, I sketch, which is always the most difficult part because I’m creating something from nothing. For this project, I was trying to reflect the local history and global themes that I thought people who come here would connect with. The painting part is easier. I put a grid on the wall, sketch it in, then fill it with color.

Get to know the other artists of HYxOffTheWall.