Who is Oslo Davis?
I’m an artist, illustrator and cartoonist.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I like the idea of taking up mixed martial arts cage fighting.
Who inspires you and why?
Artists Barry Blitt, Christoph Niemann and Saul Steinberg for making images that change how we see the world. The actors and writers of the TV show Big Train for their jokes, absurdity. Director Aki Kaurismäki for his stylised nonsense and dry humour.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would come up with funnier, wittier jokes, if I could. If that failed I’d probably just walk round speaking in a Yorkshire accent.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve just come back from Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula in Japan. Not my favourite holiday destination, but certainly up there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Mercifully, this rarely happens, but the best times have involved walks through parks and a visit to a beer garden. The Builders Arms in Fitzroy has a nice courtyard.
What are you currently reading?
Calypso by David Sedaris.
What are you currently listening to?
By choice: Lena Willikens’ electronic album Selectors 005. Reluctantly: The Greatest Showman soundtrack that my kids have on repeat.
Happiness is?
Making yourself laugh.
What does the future hold for you?
Not sure. I’m always a heartbeat away from giving up this whole goddamn drawing caper, so know knows. Maybe I’ll take up mixed martial arts cage fighting.
Oslo’s work, Swimming Through Traffic (image below) can be seen as part of the Melbourne Art Trams project for the 2018 Melbourne International Arts Festival. For more information, visit: www.festival.melbourne for details.
Image: Oslo Davis, self portrait – courtesy of the artist
