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Last edited by Citation bot (talk | contribs) 20 seconds ago. (Update) |
Smokey D | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Hardy |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Graffiti art, murals |
| Notable work | Opioid Crisis Memorial Mural, Chinatown community murals |
Smokey D (also known as Smokey Devil, born James Hardy on March 11th 1969) is a Canadian graffiti artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Known for his memorial murals in the city's Downtown Eastside, Smokey D has been recognized for over 25 years of community-centered public art that highlights issues such as addiction, mental health, and poverty.[1]
Career
editHardy emerged as a notable street artist in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver in the 1990s. His work combines bold typography, memorial portraits, and street commentary, often rendered with spray paint across alleyways and walls. Much of his graffiti is focused on memorializing those who have died from drug overdoses or lived precariously on Vancouver's streets.[2]
In 2019, he received official city permission to create a mural dedicated to the victims of the opioid crisis, painted on the side of the Overdose Prevention Society building.[3]
In 2024, Smokey D was invited to guest lecture in a course titled "How To Appreciate Graffiti" taught by Canada Research Chair Garnet Hertz at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.[4] Hardy's lectures focused on his life experiences, the role of street art in harm reduction and community healing, and his approach to memorial-based mural work.[5]
Style and Themes
editSmokey D's murals are noted for blending political messaging with street aesthetics.[6] His work frequently includes names of overdose victims, phrases like “Rest in Peace,” and stark statistics about the opioid epidemic. His murals in Vancouver’s Chinatown in 2022 combined traditional Chinese motifs with calls to end tagging vandalism and promote mutual respect.[7]
Recognition
editOn March 11, 2023, the City of Vancouver and Mayor Ken Sim proclaimed March 11th as "Smokey D Day" to honour Hardy’s "25 years of community service through graffiti art."[1][8]
Personal Life
editHardy has spoken openly about his experiences with homelessness, addiction, and incarceration.[9] He considers art a form of therapy and redemption. In early 2024, he was sponsored by a private donor to attend an addiction recovery program in Thailand, marking a major step in his personal journey.[10]
Media and Documentaries
editIn 2024, Hardy became the subject of the documentary Smokey Devil: Underworld Street Reporter by Nathaniel Canuel, which premiered in Vancouver at Simon Fraser University.[11][12]
Public Projects
editExternal Links
editSee Also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Vancouver proclaims Smokey D Day in honour of DTES graffiti artist". CBC News. 2023-03-12.
- ^ "'A Big Step for Graffiti'". The Tyee. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ a b "DTES graffiti artist Smokey D earns permission to paint opioid crisis memorial". Vancouver Is Awesome. 2019.
- ^ Crawford, Tiffany (November 23, 2023). "Vancouver's Smokey D guest artist at new graffiti class at Emily Carr University". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
- ^ Kulkarni, Akshay (January 15, 2024). "Vancouver art students to learn about graffiti from one of the city's masters: Street artist James Hardy, better known as Smokey D, set to be a guest lecturer at Emily Carr University". CBC News British Columbia.
- ^ "Vancouver street artists provide coronavirus advice to Canada's most vulnerable communities". The Art Newspaper - International art news and events. 2020-04-20. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ a b "Vancouver's Chinatown murals seek to balance street art and cultural heritage". Global News. 2022.
- ^ "Vancouver proclaims March 11 'Smokey D Day'". CTV News. 2023.
- ^ "A 'Family' of Artists of the Downtown Eastside". The Tyee. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ "DTES artist Smokey D sponsored for rehabilitation in Thailand". Global News. 2024.
- ^ "'Underworld Street Reporter' follows untold story of Smokey D". The Georgia Straight.
- ^ "World Premiere: Smokey Devil: Underworld Street Reporter". Simon Fraser University. 2024.
- ^ "The Vancouver Hep C Graffiti Project Featuring Smokey Devil". STBBI Pathways.