Artist Spotlight: DOES
Joos van Barneveld, also known as Digital DOES, is an internationally recognized artist born in 1982 in Veghel, The Netherlands. With roots in graffiti art, DOES is known for his vibrant color choices, precise style, and attention to detail. His work is deeply rooted in traditional letterforms, and he has developed his own unique 3D graffiti style.
After a career-ending injury in professional soccer, DOES dedicated himself fully to his art, quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure in the underground graffiti scene. His art, featured in collections worldwide, reflects his relentless pursuit of innovation and refusal to be confined by traditional graffiti norms.
Your transition from athlete to artist is unique. How did your experiences in sports influence your approach to art?
Many qualities that I learned while being an athlete are very valuable traits to have when being an artist, discipline and consistency being my strongest qualities. The disciplined lifestyle is definitely something that has been engrained into my life and this characterizes the way I go about my daily activities and work nowadays. What has worked well for me in developing myself as an artist is to practice my drawing skills on a continuous basis and to always keep at it, even if I am in a less then positive mood. This is the same approach as when I used to play football.
I entered into a talent development program when I was a young kid, I was selected for the national team at the age of 12, signed my first contract when I was 15, and made my debut in the first team at the age 16. I started tagging around my 15th birthday. I guess I needed some kind of relief from all the routine and discipline. I had always been drawing a lot without a particular purpose. When I discovered graffiti I really started to take the drawing very seriously as I felt that was my basis. Throughout my football career, I continued to draw a lot. Especially during my darker moments, which is where mainly related to knee injuries, drawing really helped me to stay positive.
How did you come up with the name DOES?
I first used this name when I started doing graffiti in 1997. I remember I was playing a game against Feyenoord. My direct opponent on the midfield was called 'Does'; during this specific game he scored 2 goals, he had a strong physique and was really fast.
When I arrived back home after the match I started playing with these letters. Later I realized that Does is the third person singular of the verb "to do" which suits my personality very well.
How has your style evolved since first discovering graffiti?
My style has developed steadily. I learned in my football days that you have to keep repeating and keep training yourself. No action is the same. I still apply this routine of repetition in my work today. It has become very clear to me that the strength of my work lies in its consistent development; step by step, deliberate constant progress.
In my work you can still recognize the letterform as one of the foundations. It has become a mix of influences from old-school graffiti writers with my own research. By thoroughly studying the relations between letters, their composition and balance, I learned to understand them. This deep understanding is reflected in my style by the high level of detail. Shapes assume narrative as I create explosive colorful compositions. Gradually my work has also evolved to 3D art, using different media like cement, fabric and paper.
What aspects of graffiti culture continue to inspire your work?
There are many aspects of the graffiti culture that continue to inspire me: letter shapes, going out to paint, finding new abandoned spots, the thrill and the anonymity.
Balancing different styles and exploring various art forms seems to be a constant throughout your career - what draws you to this experimentation?
The driving force is my eagerness to improve myself and I believe you have to step outside your comfort zone to reach new heights.
As a professional player, you are only as good as your last game. Consequently, as an artist, I still have this mindset and I am always looking for new methods and media to express my art. Ultimately, I would like to leave behind something tangible in this world, as a kind of proof of my existence.
What led you to explore collage as a new medium recently?
This started during the first lockdown when schools closed down and the kids ran around the house while I tried to work. I needed to give them something to do. Since we have a lot of paper in the house I suggested they make a collage with paper. They needed some guidance and I noticed that I enjoyed working with paper, so I created one with them. When I posted it on Instagram people reacted really well. That was the start. Heavily inspired by the kids!
Your work has reached around the world, are there any specific places or cultures that have left a lasting impression on your art or creative process?
I don't have a favorite or least favorite place to travel, I love the variety of the places that I have been able to visit so far. The possibility to travel and meet new people is a true privilege. You can basically go anywhere in the world and there will always be an artist that is willing to show you around town and have you over for a few days. Traveling has broadened my perspective and the experiences during my travels are a great source of inspiration.
Current Work by DOES on Display at ABV Gallery
Enclosed, 2024
Acrylic, Gold Leaf, and Aerosol on Portrait Linen Canvas
9 9/20 x 7 1/10 in. | 24 x 18 cm
