BULGARIA / AUSTRIA: Fantastic Urban Artist VODAWOTAH - Comic Style Portraits on Mural Scale

The artist MARTIN IVANOV, better known as VODAWOTAH, started with graffiti and streetart in 2008 in the Bulgarian city of Ruse. Meanwhile he lives in Vienna, Austria, where he regularly paints magnificent works on the Danube Canal and huge murals around the city or abroad. The colorful hobby has become a profession and he creates extensive commissioned works, but of course also continues to spray as a passion funtime. His fantastic works often feature comic style portraits, but also animal like characters or lively spray cans.

Above: „You got this“ for adidas originals, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Below: Donaukanal, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Photos by **SIME**

We talked to VODAWOTAH in an interview about his beginnings with graffiti, his development as an artist and the many projects back then in Bulgaria and now in Austria or around the world. A big thank you goes to photographer colleague SIME, who often accompanied him in his work and provided us with a lot of photos for this article.

Above: Vienna, Austria, 2025 – Below: Artist Portrait Pics, Vienna, 2025 – Photos by **SIME**

Hello VODAWOTAH, it’s a pleasure to do an interview with you. You paint great murals and colorful streetart mostly in Vienna, where you currently live. But you originally come from Ruse in Bulgaria. Were you already doing graffiti and streetart in Bulgaria or did that come later?

Thank you! It’s also a pleasure for me to do this interview. Yes, I started with graffiti in Ruse, Bulgaria, back in 2008. That’s where my passion for street art really took off. In the beginning, I was mostly focused on lettering, experimenting with different styles and techniques. My first tag was 13, a number that has had a special meaning for me over the years. Attached is a picture from that time, showing some of my early work. Over time, my style evolved – I moved from lettering to creating characters and more complex compositions. Moving to Vienna allowed me to merge my graffiti roots with graphic design influences, shaping the mural work I create today.

Above: together with **STUMB**, Ruse, Bulgaria 2011 – Below: Ruse, Bulgaria, 2009, 2010 & 2011

So it began in 2008, did you start with streetart back then or was there also a time when you painted letters and graffiti? And how did it develop from there? Because in the beginning the works were certainly not that big.

Yes, I started with graffiti back in 2008 in Ruse, Bulgaria—my hometown and the place where I first got inspired by the visuals on the street. Like many, I began by painting letters and experimenting with different styles. Over time, my work evolved from traditional graffiti into street art, and eventually began to blend with graphic design, which I later studied. I’m attaching a selection of works that show this progression over the years—from raw graffiti to refined mural art. Each stage has shaped how I create and communicate through my work today.

Above: Ruse, Bulgaria, 2010 – Below: Ruse, Bulgaria, 2012, 2014 & 2013

In many of your large-scale murals and also in the smaller streetart works, you paint character portraits and move between comic and photorealism. Sometimes more comic, sometimes more realism. It’s mainly female characters, why do you choose these motifs?

Female characters have always been a central element in my work because they naturally carry a strong emotional and visual presence. I’m drawn to the expressive potential in their faces – whether I approach them in a more comic, stylized way or through photorealism, they allow me to explore a wide range of moods and stories. For me, they represent both strength and vulnerability, softness and power. Moving between styles lets me play with how these qualities are perceived and communicated in public space, always aiming to create something that resonates emotionally with viewers.

Sketches – 2017 & 2018

I suppose you’re a comic fan yourself, right? Do you read comics or mangas?

Actually, I’m not really a big comic or manga reader myself. I’ve always been more into cartoons and animated styles, especially growing up. I even worked as a caricature artist on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria, which really shaped my approach to character design and expressions. That influence definitely finds its way into my murals—there’s a strong graphic and playful energy that comes from those early days.

Your works you create are often in bold and bright colors, also they often radiate something warm and positive. Do you only paint with spray cans or do you also use other tools and colors? A large mural is certainly different to a smaller graffiti.

I create my work using both spray paint and acrylics, depending on the surface and scale of the mural. Spray paint gives me the texture I need, especially for large walls, while acrylics allow for more control and detail in certain areas. My characters can be inspired by anything—a face on the street, a fleeting moment, or even just a mood. I gravitate toward bold, bright colors because they bring energy and warmth to the space, and I love creating works that radiate positivity and spark connection, whether it’s a huge wall or a smaller street piece.

Tell us a bit more about your name. I saw an explanation on your website that I found interesting. „VODA“ means „water“ in Bulgarian and „WOTAH“ is something that viewers should discover in your art. What is that exactly? Like a subjective perspective or each indivudual interpretation?Tell us a bit more about your name choice. Water has many meanings, it is flowing, stands for movement and dynamism, but also for life and strength.

Yes, exactly – „VODA“ means „water“ in Bulgarian, written as ???? in Cyrillic. It reflects where I come from and also symbolizes flow, movement, adaptability, and life—all elements that deeply resonate with my creative process. The second part, „WOTAH,“ is intentionally a bit more mysterious. It invites viewers to bring their own interpretation. Everyone who sees my work might feel or “get” something different, and that personal connection is what makes art powerful. So in a way, VODAWOTAH is both rooted and fluid—it reflects my journey and lets others find their own meaning in it.

Above & Below right: Donaukanal, Vienna, Austria, 2023 – Below left: Veijle Street Art Festival, Veijle, Denmark, 2025

Do you also paint on canvases or other objects? Or only on walls? And if yes, did you also have exhibitions yet?

Yes, I used to paint quite a lot on canvases, especially during my university years – it was a great way to explore ideas and techniques in a more controlled format. Lately, I’ve been so focused on large-scale murals and commissioned workthat I haven’t had much time for canvas work, but I’m sure that moment will come again. I’ve also had the chance to participate in exhibitions in the past, and I’m always open to bringing my work into new contexts beyond the street.

„This one is 4 Yall“, Vienna, Austria, 2024

Over the years, you have developed your style and expanded your network. You now have large projects for well-known companies and also create commercial murals. You have turned your passion into a profession. Tell us a bit more about how this has developed.

Over the years, my passion for graffiti and street art naturally evolved into a professional path. What started with curiosity and experimentation in the streets of Ruse eventually led me to study Graphic Design and Visual Communication, which helped me refine my visual language. After moving to Vienna, I began merging street art with design, which opened doors to larger-scale projects and collaborations. Step by step, I built a network and started working with brands, agencies, and festivals, creating commercial murals that still carry my artistic identity. It’s been a journey of growth—transforming a personal passion into a creative profession with impact.

Your website has a very interesting design and is equipped with great gimmicks. There are maps with detailed information about some of your murals and a creative explanation of the process for potential clients. Tell us a few words about the design of your homepage. Did you design it yourself? It’s very cool and well made!

Thank you! Yes, I designed the website myself. As a graphic designer, it was important for me that the homepage not only presents my work but also reflects my personality and creative approach. I wanted it to feel interactive and playful, while still being professional and informative. The maps and process breakdown were created to make it easier for clients to understand how I work—from idea to execution. It’s also a way to share the stories behind the murals and give a sense of the scale and context. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Above: Fritz Cola Advertisment, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Below: University of Technology, Vienna, Austria

Some artists who are more anti-capitalist would be critical of some of your commissioned works. There is generally a contrast between legal and illegal, between free work and commercially commissioned work. Or does it have to be a contradiction? Some artists accept commissions, others don’t and again others only do commissions privately and not to corporations. Tell us something about your views and how you think about that issue. You describe it as a connection and a bridge between culture and commerce.

That’s a great and important question. For me, there doesn’t have to be a contradiction—it’s all about intention and balance. I come from a graffiti background, where expression was raw, free, and often illegal. That gave me a strong foundation and a deep respect for the culture. But over time, I saw that art could also create dialogue in public spaces in collaboration with brands or institutions – when done authentically. I don’t see it as selling out, but rather as an opportunity to bring visual culture into places where it might not exist otherwise. My aim is always to keep my artistic voice strong, even within commercial work. In the best cases, it becomes a bridge between culture and commerce, showing that the two can coexist without compromising authenticity.

Above: United Nations, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Below: Donaukanal, Vienna, Austria, 2024

Tell us a bit more about Vienna. Where do you like to paint there and where else can people see your work besides the murals? You are certainly often at the famous Hall on the Danube Canal, aren’t you?

Yes, Vienna has been a big part of my artistic journey. The city has a vibrant and diverse urban art scene, and the Danube Canal Hall of Fame is definitely one of my favorite places to paint – it’s a legendary spot where artists from around the world leave their mark. I enjoy the energy there, the constant change, and the conversations that happen around the walls. Besides large-scale murals across Vienna, you can also find my work in galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and collaborations with local businesses and cultural spaces. I try to stay active and visible both on the streets and within the creative community, always looking for new walls and new ways to share my work.

Donaukanal, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Photos by **SIME**

You’ve also had a few projects abroad, for example in Gran Canaria. Tell us a bit more about that. In which other countries have you painted so far? And where would you like to paint?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to paint in several places abroad. One of the most memorable experiences was in Gran Canaria, where I worked as a portrait artist and caricaturist while also painting murals—it was a unique mix of street culture and island life that really inspired me. There are still many places I’d love to bring my work to— Lisbon, Barcelona, Miami, Tokyo, São Paulo, and Cape Town are high on my list. Each city has its own rhythm and visual language, and I’m always excited to engage with new communities and environments through mural work.

Above & Below Right: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, 2019 – Below left: Sofia, Bulgaria, 2021

What about crews or collectives for you? Have you ever been in a crew, or are you in one? Or are you more of a loner? And what about collaborations with other artists? Do you do anything like that?

I have been part of some crews in the past, but most of the time I have worked individually. Still, one of my best collaborations has been with my brother STUMB from NSN crew. We’ve painted together many times, and we plan to continue working on even more serious and bigger projects in the future

Vienna, Austria, April & July 2025 – Photos by **SIME**

I discovered a collaboration of yours that keeps cropping up, and it’s with SIME. But here, two genres are combined: you paint, and he creates visual recordings and photographs. The images are very cool! Tell us a little about your collaboration. It’s a great thing for artists to find a suitable person who can also professionally document their work.

Yes, it is absolutely hard to find a photographer who can truly capture the story behind a project. With SIME, it’s different – he is completely in synchrony with my work. He’s not only a great photographer but also a good friend, and we work together super smoothly. He understands the energy I want to show, and his photos always bring out the best in each project.

Above: Calle Libre, Superbude Prater, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Below: March & April 2025, Vienna, Austria – Photos by **SIME**

What about festivals and graffiti jams? Do you participate in such things? There are some great events in Vienna, but also worldwide, of course. Do you go to such festivals, and what do you think of them?

Yes, whenever I have time, I participate in every event I can. I really enjoy festivals and graffiti jams. This week, for example, I am going to Denmark for one. I think these events are great for connecting with other artists, sharing inspiration, and just enjoying painting together.

Above: September 2022 – Below: March & Oktober 2022 – Donaukanal, Vienna, Austria

Tell us a few words about your project with Baroque street art in your hometown of Ruse. You wrote that it’s a paste-up installation at the train station. So, did you first paint the works on paper and then stick them on the wall?

That was an absolutely amazing project. It was actually one of my first paste-up projects. I did it just before I graduated from university, and it was kind of part of my graduation, but I did it independently. I searched in the library in Ruse, Bulgaria for old historical photos, and then I mixed them with the characters I was creating at that time and pasted them around. Ruse is a very historical city because of the Danube River, and I wanted to connect its rich history with modern street art. Yes, I painted the works on paper first and then pasted them on the walls at the train station.

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Once you also had a whole paste-up summer in which you created many such works. Tell us a bit more about this project.

That was a very creative summer for me. I did a lot of paste-ups and also many murals. At that time, my budget was really low since I was still a student, so I created all of those projects with minimal resources. But it was really cool to experiment and paste them on the streets. It gave me the freedom to try out new ideas quickly and to see how people reacted to them in the urban environment.

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Another interesting project is the Easter installation. Tell us a bit more about this idea and how you implemented it.

Yes, that was another amazing project I worked on. Just before Easter, I was coming back from a translation class and I saw those trees near Marno Pole Park. I imagined that it would be a really cool idea to create an Easter installation there. The next day, I shared the idea with one of my teachers at the university while we were standing next to the coffee machine, and he told me right away to go for it. So, I told one of my best friends about it, and we just went and did it. It felt like everything for this project came together by itself. It was really a magical experience.

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In a recent post, you mentioned a great project with KRS One. You did a graffiti piece, and he even signed it. Very cool! Tell us a bit more about the story.

That was a really dope project! I painted it a week before KRS One’s live show in Vienna, right in front of the club where he was performing. I created a piece of him holding a piece of paper that said “KRS One tag spot,” so that people could tag the paper themselves. At that time, I didn’t even know if he would notice it. But I prepared a print for him with a picture of the wall and went to the club a couple of hours before the show. His wife saw the print and invited me backstage, where KRS One was. We spoke a bit, and he was the coolest and most grounded person ever. Then, just before the live show, when everyone was already inside the club, he came outside and tagged the wall himself. That was such a powerful moment for me.

Above: Tribute to **KRS One**, Vienna, Austria, 2025 – Below left: Shopping Mall, Vienna, Austria, 2024 – Below Right: University of Technology, Vienna, Austria

What’s the future hold? Are there any new projects planned? Do you have any ideas or commissions for new large murals?

At the moment, I am just working project by project, focusing on each piece as it comes. But in the future, I am thinking about opening an out-of-home advertising agency. I believe that the mix of my street art style with my graphic design background creates something unique, and it can definitely be beneficial for many brands. Of course, I also have ideas for new large murals, and I am always looking forward to the next big wall to bring those concepts to life.