AllicsirpArt: Beyond the Surface of Street Culture & Fine Art

I was out in Amsterdam this past March for a meeting regarding the restoration of a historic P.H.A.S.E. 2 mural at a local gallery. While I was at the space, I crossed paths with a local artist named Priscilla K, who creates under the moniker AllicsirpArt. Amsterdam has a way of making worlds collide, because the very next day, I ran into Priscilla again while visiting MTN Amsterdam.

She and the shop worker told me I had to pull up to the NDSM/WERF wall jam happening that same evening. I ended up sliding through and catching a ton of footage from the jam, which I’ll be dropping on the YouTube soon (time permitting). After crossing paths twice in 24 hours, I knew I had to sit down with Priscilla and chop it up about her trippy world-bending style, her neurodivergent journey, and what drives her creative universe.

— Interview by LaMont for MRCNNlive

What’s Something About Amsterdam That You Love Most?

AllicsirpArt: I personally love that it’s a melting pot of different cultures, styles, and worlds colliding. You can find a unique mix of people here who broaden your horizons and inspire you in ways you hadn’t experienced before.

It’s a city open to connection and weird shit.

You Say Your Work Blends Child-Like Moments With Morbid Elements. Was This Something That Just Happened?

AllicsirpArt: I feel like it slowly evolved throughout my childhood and adolescence while I was developing my own art style. I went through some difficult things growing up, which made me create places where I could feel safe, understood, and in control.

Through my art, I started creating that escape for myself, something colorful, soft, and almost comforting in a world that was not as gentle. At the same time, I noticed I had this constant need to include darker elements too, like monsters, wounds, knives, or blood.

That need started showing up more in my teens and really developed further when I went to art school in Canada. It’s symbolism in a way, showing how these darker elements are always present in life but don’t have to be dominating.

I’m constantly discovering new parts of myself, and blending those childlike and morbid elements is something I’ve realized I deeply crave to explore more.

If We Could Step Into the “AllicsirpArt Universe,” What Would It Sound Like?

AllicsirpArt: I love that question. I’ve actually thought about what my art universe might sound like, and to me it feels like an orchestra of different tones, noises, beats, and instruments all coming together to tickle your brain in the best way.

I imagine something like the instrumentals of Tyler, The Creator mixed with the more ethereal, almost electronic heavenly sounds and beats of Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach. There would be a lot of layered sounds of harps, vocals, soft notes, and shifting melodies, but it wouldn’t stay the same everywhere.

The sounds and genre would change depending on where you are in my art universe, with different moods and styles blending into each other, influencing each other, and having their own cultural significance in their dimensional regions.

You’ve Been Open About Re-Learning the World as a Neurodivergent Artist. Explain?

AllicsirpArt: I’ve always struggled a lot internally, and for a long time I placed a lot of shame, doubt, and embarrassment on myself for not being typical and struggling with things others don’t seem to struggle with.

I wasted a lot of time and energy thinking there was something “defective” within me.

About four years ago, when I got my diagnosis, I started to understand that a lot of that constant overthinking, self-doubt, and self-judgment was connected to that. I realized I had been holding myself back and not giving myself the space to fully explore what’s actually in my head and who I am.

Now I’m really trying to relearn everything as a neurodivergent artist: letting go of those limitations and allowing myself to explore the more unconventional, “weird” parts of who I am with no restraint.

No more wasting energy on thinking something is wrong with me. It’s about releasing that shame and accepting that my experiences and feelings are valid and even valuable.

I’m learning that they’re not just okay to have, but also worth expressing and sharing through my work, as it also elevates my universe.

Does the Act of Creating Feel More Like a Way to Escape the World or a Way to Anchor Yourself?

AllicsirpArt: That’s a really interesting question. For me, it’s both, but also something more.

It’s definitely an escape, a way to step out of reality and create a new one where you are in control and safe. But at the same time, you’re never fully in control because the final art piece is always a bit of a surprise.

I’ve learned to really embrace that mystery in the process.

Creating is also a way to anchor myself. Creating helps me stabilize and reminds me that I can make something meaningful even through pain, struggle, or loss.

Creating is like a lighthouse in a dark ocean, a guiding light through the unnerving dark. I can take whatever energy I’m carrying, especially the heavier parts, and give it a place outside of myself and redirect it into something completely new.

And beyond that, creating also opens up the world for me. It acts like a mirror.

When I look at my work, I start to understand more about myself, my emotions, and even the world around me. When I share it, it creates space for connection and conversations with others I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Creating is a way to open up the world for yourself.

What Are Some Viewers’ Reactions When They First See Your Work?

AllicsirpArt: Some viewers seem to be cast deep in thought at some of my pieces, slowly moving closer as they realize there’s a lot more to discover than they first realized. Some have come up to me and said it brings out their inner child, which honestly is one of the biggest compliments I can get.

It feels very close to what I’m doing because my work really comes from that place of curiosity and that inner child exploring freely.

Some have shared personal stories with me relating to their interpretations of my works, and it is a truly unique moment of human connection and closeness with a stranger. And I gotta tell you, watching people experience my work and hearing their interpretations is one of my favorite things.

I love not explaining everything and just seeing what people pick up on… sometimes they notice things or say things about the work that I hadn’t even realized myself.

Is One of Your Main Characters a Fish, and Why? Who Are Some Other Favorites?

AllicsirpArt: Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed that I create fish a lot and I have been for a long time. I think the first one I drew was around 2012 or 2013 (I’d have to double-check), but since then they’ve shown up in almost all of my work.

I think it’s because I’m really drawn to them in an intuitive way. I’m quite selfish with my art in the sense that I don’t create what others want to see, I create specifically what I want to see and feel connected to, and then I explore why that is I feel connected to it.

Over the years I’ve kept asking myself why fish keep coming back, and the first thing that always comes up is how relatable they are in a way.

Fish exist in all kinds of waters—different depths, different tides, constantly changing environments. Water pushes, shifts, and challenges them, and they move through it anyway no matter how rough or murky the waters are.

That journey shapes them. I see that as a reflection of us as people.

We all move through different “waters” in life, and those experiences shape who we become. No matter what kind of fish you are, you’re meant to keep swimming and keep moving forward.

Another character that’s been showing up a lot more in recent years is the toad.

I kept asking myself the same question as with the fish: why toads? What draws me to them? I started looking into their symbolism and realized they represent transformation and evolution.

They go from eggs, to tadpoles, to fully formed creatures, constantly changing and evolving along the way. That really mirrors what I’ve been going through personally, especially in the past years.

I’ve been experiencing a lot of internal change and growth, and those toads feel like a reflection of that process. In my work, they often exist as more significant and almost powerful beings with their own roles and stories within the universe.

And then there are my “eyeball” creatures… little humanoid beings with an eyeball instead of a head. They come in all shapes and sizes, and I’m still figuring out exactly what they mean to me and how their evolution will go.

That’s something I’m really excited about: discovering it as I go and eventually sharing that with the world.

What Effect Does Amsterdam Have on Your Art?

AllicsirpArt: That’s actually something I hadn’t really thought about before. What’s interesting about Amsterdam is that I’m part of two different art scenes at the same time.

Like the street and more “punk” scene, but also the more “traditional” gallery scene. Both have really helped me realize that doing my own thing, creating what I personally like and connect with, actually has value that I should share more with the community.

At the same time, they also push me to think more about sharing my work in different ways, expanding it in prints, merch, or even fashion.

I’ve started to really enjoy that side of it, especially putting my art onto clothing. Amsterdam has definitely helped me shift my mindset toward growing my art and my universe in multiple directions, without losing what makes it mine.

I feel like Amsterdam, its people, and its vibe push me to be more authentically myself with my art. It makes me explore even more what I personally want to see and create.

How Does the Art Scene in Canada Differ Compared to the Dam? Favorite?

AllicsirpArt: In terms of the variety of galleries and opportunities, places like Toronto have a lot to offer—from art districts to underground pop-up galleries, plus chances to show work in cafés, fairs, and even government-supported art spaces.

In that sense it’s quite similar to Amsterdam. Lots of opportunities.

The biggest difference I’ve noticed is in the sense of community.

In Toronto, there are clearly different art scenes—from big, established galleries to smaller independent spaces—but they don’t always feel connected to each other.

In Amsterdam, those worlds overlap much more. The street and punk scene blends more easily with institutional or traditional gallery spaces, where they even collaborate with one another.

It feels like a very close-knit community here, where being present, going to openings, and connecting with people really matters.

Because it’s a smaller city with so much creative energy, those connections are easier to make and it’s easier to move between different art scenes.

That overlap opens more doors to opportunities. And honestly, while Toronto and Canada’s art scene always has my heart and love, and I definitely want to return there at some point, there’s something really special about Amsterdam.

I’m grateful for the connections I’ve built here and excited to keep growing within this community. Dam is my favorite at the moment.

You Had a Show in Toronto Called Femme Empiricism. How Do You Feel About That Work Now?

AllicsirpArt: I loved that show, it was my first ever solo show in my life. Looking back, I definitely see Femme Empiricism as an important part of my past—a painful but very necessary part that I needed to explore through my art.

The work was much darker, with feminine bodies being cut open, hurt, or altered, reflecting both my own experiences and what I see other women go through.

It was very focused on the female experience and sexual trauma. Since then, especially after moving back to the Netherlands, my work has shifted into something more colorful and lighter.

It is also more focused on reaching a broader human experience. I still touch on those deeper struggles, but I approach them in a way that feels more connected to my inner child.

I’m really grateful for that solo show and what it allowed me to express, but I’m just as grateful for the path I’m on now and how my work keeps evolving.

I can feel that another shift is coming to evolve my art—I don’t know exactly when, but I’m excited to see where it takes my universe next.

How Does It Feel to Move From Gallery Pieces to Large Community Murals?

AllicsirpArt: It feels like a big, exciting, and slightly scary shift in my usual art practice. I always imagined working on a larger scale would be more intimidating, and there is still a bit of that feeling.

But it’s mostly excitement—being able to take on something like that and create something for the community.

Choosing a favorite vibe is honestly hard. It really depends on the day you’d ask me this question.

They both give me something completely different in return.

With community murals, I get to connect with people directly, hear their perspectives, and listen to stories that can actually influence and push my work forward.

With gallery pieces, it’s more about privacy and a kind of positive isolation, where I can really go inward and create without interruption.

So I’d say both are my favorite in their own way. I love doing both and want to keep exploring both.

But right now, on this day, I do feel drawn to community work a bit more. Simply because it’s newer to me, a fun challenge, and something I’ve only started exploring in very recent years.

SILE & Allicsirp Art collab in the works NSDW WERF

One Short-Term Goal? Long Term?

AllicsirpArt: My short-term goal is to have another solo show, ideally this year or at least within the next year. I want it to be filled with my work, especially larger canvases, so I’m currently still in the process of building toward that.

I’d also love to include something more interactive, like a live painting or even a small mural during the show for people to really get the artist experience.

For my long-term goal, I want to do murals more consistently, especially community-based projects. I’d love to expand that into workshops and more interactive experiences with people.

Another one I can’t wait to work on is an animated show of a part of my art universe. It’s been a long dream of mine to have a meaningful animated story of my art universe.

Something that helps inspire others as much as animation and shows have inspired me. And of course, just keep creating and evolving my work into my next art phase.

Are You Available for Work?

AllicsirpArt: All day, every day. I can’t get enough of creating, as this is my passion and so much more.

I love a creative “prompt” or “challenge,” and I especially love doing commissions. I’m available for murals, workshops, private lessons, commissions, album covers, portraits, and so much more.

If you think it, I can create it. If you can’t think it, I’ll think it for you and create something unforgettable.

In my art universe, anything is possible. I just love exploring and sharing it.

Last Words or Shoutouts?

AllicsirpArt: I guess what I would really like to say to anyone reading this is that especially during difficult and uncertain times like these, now is the time to really create and get it out there.

Whether it’s music, painting, writing, dancing, or cooking, now is the time to share that passion and keep hope alive within your communities.

This is the way to create connection with one another and get through the tough shit into better times.

You have more power by being vulnerable than you realize.

I’d also like to give a big shoutout to you, MRC Promotions, for giving me amazing intriguing questions and being so open with me.

It’s stuff like that I truly appreciate and that helps inspire me to keep going.

My last quote to end this interview on: “To survive means you have to evolve.”

Contact Information

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Interview: LaMont

Editor: LaMont

Image: AllicsirpArt