The dust might just have settled on Miami for another year, but there’s still one opinion we’re yet to fully explore: that of LA based fidget spinner fan, ThankYouX. A firm Andy Warhol fan (you’ll find the latter’s portrait tattooed on his torso), the artist made his name – and developed his moniker – on the LA scene in 2009 creating large scale Warhol spray paint stencils; the name came about as a result of his sign off on each piece, “Thank You X”, originally meant as a gesture of anonymous gratitude for Warhol’s aesthetic of rebellious integrity.

Fast forward to now and 130,000 of us are following ThankYouX on Instagram, while his bright, geometric works have been exhibited worldwide in London, New York and Hong Kong alike; perhaps most notably, they feature within the décor at Snapchat HQ too.

Teaming up with Born Group and Soho House for some live painting and party action during Art Basel Miami, below the artist fills us in.

You were just in Miami for Art Basel – why were you there?

I’ve been going to Art Basel the past five years. I went this year to throw an event with Soho House and Born Group. 

Best work you saw, and why? 

I have to say the best work I saw was at the main fair this year. I was blown away by seeing Frank Stella pieces that I’d never seen before. The size and detail were insane and something that you couldn’t just see in a photo on the internet.

And your favourite new discovery?

I don’t think I actually have a favourite new discovery, but I saw a lot of artists that I love that I had only previously seen in magazines or [on] Instagram. Like seeing Raymond Hains in person was pretty awesome. He’s a huge inspiration to my collage work. I’d say Scope Art Fair was really fun as always, and I got to see a lot of fresh stuff that I hadn’t known about before. 

How does the Miami art scene compare to the LA art scene?

Well Miami art scene during Basel week is insane because it has all scenes mixed into one. Miami just really appreciates art. The city really wants you to know that it’s an art city. LA scene is good but it doesn’t have the impact that Miami does.
 
Finally, can you tell us about the event you put on with Born Group?

I teamed up with Soho House and Born to throw a fun party with some live painting and good music. We did a silent auction for the painting I made during the event and raised a good amount of money for disaster relief, which has been a main focus for me this past year.