Though only in its second year, Moniker Art Fair has caused a stir internationally by providing an art fair environment for the sort of work normally overlooked by the traditional art world. Founder, director and curator Frankie Shea and senior advisor Cedar Lewisohn gave us their take on the rise of street art in London and the rest of the art world.

RR: How is Moniker different from other art fairs?

FS: Firstly Moniker was created through frustration more than any other single reason. The fact that the art I admire, collect and deal in was not taken seriously by the UK art establishment despite how popular it was in both primary and secondary markets.  I tried to break into the old boys club several times with the artists I represented but those old school ties always came first, never the art. So taking the street art ethos of doing things your self - Moniker was born.

CL: Moniker is representing artists and genres that you won’t see at other fairs in the UK. It’s a Salon des Refusés for the 21st century.

Frankie Shea; founder, director and curator of Moniker Art Fair

RR: The art world can be incredibly elitist, sexist, racist... do you think the rise in popularity of street art can partly be attributed to a reaction against the constraints of the system?

FS: Street art can partly be attributed to a reaction against the constraints of the system? Possibly yes, why do you have to write ‘x’ amount of thousand words in your dissertation to become a 'proper' artist. No matter how many books you read on how to do a cabalerial to axel you're never going to pull one off with out years of practise at the skatepark. What’s wrong with painting pictures with your raw emotions that may lay on the surface?  In the street art world everyone is equal and they don't wait for official approval. They are artists in every sense of the word, weather they are painting in there own back yard or a huge illegal mural on the street for all the world to see.  In the street art and graffiti worlds there is also a large proportion of female artists. I work with and represent artists such as Hera(kut), Faith47, Pam Glew, Holly Thoburn and (Dabs)Myla. All strong female characters without the psychological block of growing up in a mans world. And the popularity of street art has smashed down the doors of elitism. Once Banksy was laughed at by those elitists. Then he began to fetch 6 figure sums at auction and their ears pricked up. They had it their way for too long and now there is room for some change. Street art is out of short trousers.

CL:There is certainly a lot of bullshit in the arts in the UK. But there is bullshit in most areas of society. There are also fantastic positive things and amazing opportunities for creativity. I don’t think there is one position to represent the street art scene however. Some people are reacting against the orthodoxy, others trying to join it. It’s also important to remember that critique is not new. Barbra Kruger, the Guerrilla Girls, who also put art on the street without permission, have been highlighting these types of ridiculous injustice for a long time.

RR:Was there a pivotal moment in your careers where you realised that street art was where your passion lay?

FS: I'm sure there was but I can't quite join the dots. My life is so hectic I can't remember if I've eaten or not. I have too much on my mind to reminisce in life's turning points! I'm not quite ready to chill out in the country and grow my own potatoes but it would be nice to slow down a little already! But my passion is in what I do and the artists I work with, and that’s why I enjoy my life.

CL: I think I’m more interested in art generally and wouldn’t wont to limit that passion to one genre. I’m interested in opening up relationships between art styles and movements. As to a magic moment in my career, no, I have always known I wanted to work with art since I was a kid. When I was 12 or 13 I used to photograph graffiti and make little books to show to my friends. I’m basically still doing the same thing today.

Cedar Lewisohn; senior advisor to Moniker Art Fair (photo credit Eddie Otchere 2010)

RR:Moniker Art Fair is only in its 2nd year- did you expect the sort of renown and respect the festival has achieved to come so quickly?

FS: I was confident it would be popular if it was done right. This is a testament to Kristophe and myself as last year was fantastic and something we're extremely proud of. But, to quote a football phrase, at the end of the day if you give people what they want, they will come and see it. Moniker 2010 was a fun event, part fair, part festival. People were quickly feeling very comfortable within the surroundings, something you can't always say in many art fairs. The visitors were mixing with the gallerists, artists and fellow art fans alike and bringing their families back the following day. The atmosphere was great and it attracted all walks of life and all ages. We now need to live up to the musical analogy of the debut album! I think we'll pull it off but we did set the bar high.

CL: If an idea is good, done well and people are ready for it, then it’s going to work. RR:What would your advice be to any street art fans looking to invest in a piece of art for their home?

FS: Buying art for your home because you like it and buying art as an investment are very different things. But what I like to do for my clients is to attempt to combine the two. But ... rule Number One(and two) definitely buy what you like and don't use your credit card to do so!

CL:The first thing I would say is don’t think of art as an investment! Not a financial one anyway. You should buy art you love, and if you love it the financial value should not matter. After that I’d say if you interested in something maybe try and speak with the artist to learn more about the work.

RR:What's your favourite piece of street art in London?

FS: I'd have to say Ben Eines 'vandalism' painting on Moniker Art Fairs entrance on Holywell Lane which he painted several years ago illegally before moniker was founded. Was it street art or was it vandalism? It was both - and he even spelt that out too. Last year at the inaugural Moniker Art fair we invited Ben Eine back to paint that wall, although this time - he had permission to paint. Also I love Steve 'Espo' Powers 'Adore & Endure' painted last year for Moniker on Great Eastern Street and still remains. It's Steve's love letter for London. Even though it didn't work for me personally as I split up with my misses several days later!!! The good news is we're back together and this time I will learn by Espos's message and  learn to Adore & Endure ... It's what makes the world go round. See, street art really does make a difference!

CL: The thing I love a about street art and graffiti, no matter where in the world, is its ephemeral nature and the fact it’s always changing. I love just walking around cities seeing art on the streets, so I don’t think I could nail it down to one work. I’m however loving Malarky’s numinous pieces which are popping up all over London right now though.

RR:And your tips for the next Banksy?

FS:There is only one Banksy and there won't be a next. But if you are looking to buy a beautiful picture within the street art genre while their prices are still very reasonable and at the same time want your money to grow in the long term -  then you need to put your hard earned cash into 2 artists - Dabs Myla.  Go see Tina Ziegler on project space no.1 at Moniker Art Fair.

CL: I just want to see good art, be that on the street or in a gallery. I want to see art that makes me think in new ways, I want to see art that’s beautiful and I want to see art that’s unique. Anyone doing that gets my vote.

Moniker Art Fair 2011 will take place 13th-16th October at Village Underground

        Abstract Graffiti- By Cedar Lewisohn is out now and published by Merrell