Interviews
The Story Behind Myne & Yours – From Creating Selfish Art to Crafting a Shared Identity
February 20, 2025
Marwan Shakarchi, known artistically as Myne & Yours, has made a name for himself with his bold, thought-provoking visuals. His work, a fusion of street art, digital design, and muralism, explores themes of identity, accessibility, and curiosity. We sat down with him to discuss his journey, the evolution of Myne & Yours, and what art means to him.
This is Marwan Shakarchi (Myne & Yours).
From Punk and Skateboarding to Visual Art
For Marwan, art has always been a part of his life—though not always in the traditional sense. His first encounters with creativity came through skateboarding and punk music. The graphic-heavy designs on skateboards, album covers, and tour posters shaped his aesthetic early on.
“I was more focused on the music at the time,” he recalls, “but looking back, I realize I was deeply inspired by the visual elements surrounding that culture.”
During his university years, he played in a band. Though he didn’t create the artwork for the band, he became increasingly fascinated by how music and visuals interact. When the band broke up, he found himself naturally gravitating toward visual art as his primary form of expression.
The Sticker Obsession That Started It All
What began as an experiment with stickers soon turned into an artistic movement. At first, Marwan placed his stickers around the city without any clear intent—simply enjoying the process. Over time, it became something of an obsession.
“I started getting off the train a stop earlier just to put up more stickers,” he admits. “Then, stickers turned into posters, and posters into large-scale pieces.”
Initially, this was what he called “selfish art,” something done purely for himself. But as people started interacting with it, he realized it was evolving into something bigger.
“That’s when Myne & Yours transformed from being about me to being about all of us.”
The Meaning Behind Myne & Yours
Marwan originally signed his work as Myne—a personal, inward expression. But as public engagement grew, he recognized that his art belonged as much to the audience as it did to him. That’s when Myne & Yours was born.
“I liked that it sounded a bit awkward when introducing myself,” he says. “It sparks curiosity, which is exactly what I want my art to do.”
Explore more of Myne & Yours on Marwan’s official website
A Distinctive Style with Deeper Undertones
Marwan’s work is instantly recognizable—bold, colorful, and seemingly playful, yet often carrying a darker undertone. His signature cloud icon exemplifies this contrast: soft and inviting in shape, yet marked by Xs for eyes, hinting at something more beneath the surface.
He draws inspiration from skate culture, music, and street art, but his approach spans multiple mediums, including digital design, murals, screen prints, installations, and sculptures.
The Creative Process: Digital First, Questions Always
Marwan’s process is rooted in constant observation and questioning. His phone is filled with notes, ideas, and concepts that he refines digitally before deciding how they will take shape.
“I don’t sketch much on paper—I go straight to digital,” he explains. “I refine my designs on the computer before deciding if they will become murals, canvases, or sculptures. Some designs stay digital forever; others manifest physically.”
His approach is fluid, but always guided by an essential question: Why am I making this? What message does it send?
Inside the Studio: A Space for Growth and Collaboration
Marwan’s studio is more than just a workspace—it’s a sanctuary, a place of experimentation, and a hub for collaboration.
“There are large canvases here that I made with no specific intention. Some may go to collectors or exhibitions, but others exist just for the sake of creating.”
His studio is also filled with works by artists he admires—stickers, books, and prints that continue to inspire him. More than just a personal retreat, it’s a space where other creatives are welcomed, reinforcing the communal philosophy behind Myne & Yours.
More Than Just an Artist
“Who said I was just an artist?” Marwan laughs when asked to finish the sentence, I am more than just an artist because…
He sees labels as limiting. While art is a huge part of his identity, he is also a father, a husband, a friend, and a mentor.
“My experiences shape my work, and my work reflects my life. Being a father is the most creative thing I do—tuning into my children’s minds is as much an artistic process as making murals.”
The Evolution of an Artist
The past three years have pushed Marwan to evolve. COVID forced him to shift from large-scale murals and client work to more personal studio-based creations.
“For the first time, I really focused on fine art—painting canvases and experimenting with sculpture.”
That period of introspection led him to expand the scope of Myne & Yours, ensuring it remains fresh, dynamic, and relevant.
A Message for Aspiring Artists
Asked to distill his years of experience into one piece of advice, Marwan doesn’t hesitate:
“Do it because you believe in it.”
He warns against chasing art for fame or financial success
“If you’re in it for those reasons, you’ll suffer. Art isn’t a job—it’s a lifestyle. Be prepared for uncertainty, sacrifice, and struggle. But if you love it, none of that will matter.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Myne & Yours? More growth, more experimentation, and more ways to bring people into the world he has created.
“I want to push this into new spaces—sculpture, immersive art, and more public interactions. The journey isn’t about reaching a final destination; it’s about constant growth.”
Marwan Shakarchi’s Myne & Yours is more than an art project—it’s an evolving dialogue between artist and audience, a reminder that art doesn’t belong in galleries alone. It belongs to everyone. And that, perhaps, is what makes his work so powerful. To explore more of Marwan’s art, follow him on Instagram @myneandyours, and visit our website for additional stories from artists worldwide.
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