From Hamilton, With Art: Dope Chief

This is part of a digital Q&A series by HAMILTON CITY Magazine contributor Sarah Jessica Rintjema in conversation with Hamilton’s visual artists.

Dope Chief, or Richard Magarin, was born in Hamilton. The artist was raised downtown and describes often feeling overstimulated in classrooms as a kid, preferring his art supplies and daydreams over socializing with other children. Dope’s style is instantly recognizable with his vibrant pinks, blues and purples, new school and street art inspirations, psychedelic themes, and adult content. In 2015, Dope sold prints of his artwork at an Art Crawl – finding quick success and building on his brand until 2018, when he became a full-time artist.

Today, Dope paints, sculpts, and designs fashion in his personal art studio in Jackson Square, where 14 local artists work as members of his space. Artists selected for studio space work in varying mediums, from content creators, sculptures and painters, to a resident DJ. Magarin says he chooses artists based on their ambition, wanting to foster an environment of creative maturation. Artists in residence include Brody of BecauseDesignMatters, Edie Bruins, Alicia Michèle, Peter Mac Guinness and others.

Website: DOPE CHIEF
Instagram: @thedopechief
TikTok: @dope.chief

How would you describe your artistic style?

I would describe my artistic style as contemporary pop art. My work is highly influenced by pop culture from the mid-’90s to the early 2000s, as well as subject matter from my personal experiences.

How long have you been creating art, and how did you begin?

I started creating at a very young age. One of my earliest memories is selling small clay figures I would create while in class, when I should’ve been paying attention to my classmates during recess. I became a full-time artist in 2018.

How did you get involved with your medium?

I’ve always preferred acrylic paint as my medium of choice when it comes to the traditional mediums. Its quick dry time and vibrancy really lead to my lack of patience.

How has your style evolved over time?

I believe your own personal art style isn’t something we find, but rather something that is shaped by the previous works we create. I’ve taken the things I’ve learned from past projects to influence my work today. While the subject matter changes, I think you would be able to trace the evolution of my style by seeing where I began.

What does creating art mean to you?

To me, creating means self-expression. I believe that the responsibility of an artist lies in documenting the times and events in which they live, a unique perspective only known to them. And creating means we can see through their eyes and the experiences they had. I view an artist as a fly on the cosmic wall.

What would you like to see improve about the arts scene in Hamilton?

In Hamilton, it’s either shitty street art, fantastic murals created by artists not from Hamilton, or boring public arts projects. Personally, I would love to see the city take risks on projects that push what contemporary art really looks like. Spaces and events that invite exploration and immerse the viewer. A great example is Meow Wolf.

What is your favourite arts event within the city?

My favourite arts event in Hamilton is Art Crawl. Something which is very unique to Hamilton, and how I got my start as an artist. I love Art Crawl because it allows anyone with a creative idea to just try it. You don’t need permission, a permit or experience to make something and show up. I always encourage new artists to try it out and connect with their community.

Who is a Hamiltonian artist you’d like to see get more attention?

@BAUMBCHELL. She creates vivid paintings and explores concepts that I believe resonate with people on a deeper, more emotional level.

What are your artistic goals for the future?

My goals for the future as an artist are to continue to create as much as I possibly can. If I can do that freely and without limits, I will have succeeded in life.

How can HCM readers help support you?

Check out my work, and decide to always choose humans over AI when it comes to the art you support.

If you’d like to be featured, please reach out to sarahjessicarintjema@gmail.com.