Inkie is the UK graffiti pioneer (now working with Jade Jagger) who grew up in Bristol painting alongside 3D from Massive Attack and Banksy. His daughter Joni (now four-years-old) was born deaf, and was lucky to have a cochlear ear implant which saved her hearing. Now Inkie hosts an urban art auction to raise money for Great Ormond Hospital so more children can have the life-changing operation. Over 30 artists have donated work for the cause including Banksy, 3D, Paul Insect, Goldie, Dave Choe, Eine, D*Face and Insa for the auction that takes place at West London’s Paradise by the Way of Kensal Green on Thursday April 23rd. You can get tickets straight from the Paradise which includes a slap-up dinner, auction, afterparty featuring Sinden and Herve and an exclusive Inkie print.    

“Inkie’s skill and importance to the UK scene is second only to him being a fantastically good bloke. When he told me about his daughter’s problem and how much this operation had done for her, I realised that it hadn't just permanently changed her life, but the lives of all the people who loved her. For me to be a part of such a good cause is actually an honour. I haven't done many good things in my life. This is one,” explains Mysterious Al.

Dazed Digital: Can you talk about how the idea came about for the event?
Inkie: The idea came about from seeing so much money being generated by urban art and not a lot of it going to charity. I know a lot of the artists and thought it would be great for us all to collectively donate to Great Ormond Street and help out. I couldn’t believe the amazing response I got from the artists like David Choe, who I don’t even know that well, donating paintings worth £3,000 plus without even hesitating.

Dazed Digital: From a personal view point, can you explain more about the cause, your daughter and the hospital?
Inkie: Having been told my daughter was never going to speak, and now being at the stage where she is verbally on a level with her peers is incredible. The Cochlear Implant operation is a risky procedure but the benefits are enormous if the child is operated early enough. With the big waiting lists (approximately 18 months) if the operation is not performed soon enough, this can affect the child’s ability to speak as the brain shifts its focus on sight and touch. If by doing this auction I can help in anyway to give another child these benefits, then it will be worthwhile.