The Art of Rebellion IV – interview

Christian Hundertmark aka C100 author of The Art of Rebellion books shared a few words with us 13 years after the 1st AOR book.

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– When you wrote the 1st Art Of Rebellion in 2004, the goal was to
present that new post-hip-hop-graffiti scene also known as street-art.
What is “Art of Rebellion 4” about ?

In general it’s the same topic as the previous ones: introducing street art / graffiti to a wider audience. But this time with a new approach: Instead of just documenting / introducing the most interesting new works I asked each artist to select his most favorite work and write a short text why they had chosen the particular piece. This led to really interesting results which gives the reader a new insight on each artists work concept.

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– According to you what are the biggest changes the urban-art scene have experienced last decade ?

In my personal humble opinion I’d say that street art made a very
successful step in terms of attracting recognition from people outside
the scene which had both positive and negative aspects. I mean nowadays everyone knows what street art is…! One one hand that’s a great development as many artists got the chance to step into the contemporary art world, doing big art shows in galleries and can make a good living out of it etc., which I think is nice as it proofs that this young art form got the respect it definitely deserved. On the other hand it got a bit predictable, some artists works got very hyped even though their work weren’t very inventive and more or less unambitious.The use of stereotypes seemed like there was a ultimate street art cook recipe: Some drips here, some sampling of pop art there, some punk attitude and there you have the street artist the audience expect to be the next Banksy…. which I think is a bit lame.Still in general I think the quality of the works made a huge step!

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– When I compare the photos of the 1st AOR and the new one, what I notice is that nowadays many artworks are huge and legal. Nowadays the
urban-scene seems to be run mainly by professionals. Is the title “Art
of Rebellion” still accurate ? And has the street-art scene been really rebellious one day ?

Yes, this is a justified question and I think if it wasn’t a series considering another title would make sense :) but if you start form the basis each artist featured has street credibility and authenticity. Most of them still work in the streets illegally which could be contemplated as a rebellious act in a way, too. Still, I’m aware that „real" rebellion is connected to much more radical acting but I think the title is a great wordplay which makes totally sense in this context of art. Also I’d like to add that by asking the artists for their most favorite artwork they ever did anything would have been possible. And this is what happened in the end. This book is more like an opener for the viewer to get into the whole work portfolio of each featured artist. I.e. Honets feature (both photo & text), which is one of my favorites, it’s essential that you know both what his current works AND his background from day one. I’m really happy that this concept worked out so good.

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– In the book we can see people work that were in the previous books, but also new artists. Can you tell us a few names of people you discovered recently and enjoy the work ? (they don’t need to be in AOR4)

I discovered the work of Hayden Kays, Hot Tea, Maser and Mobstr during the process. Even though others maybe knew their works before I got into their art more or less by chance and I’m really happy to have them in the book!

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– Like many of us I like good punchlines and slogans written on walls or on stickers. Under your C100 alias, you did excellent “Cash rules ruins everything around me” posters. That was an instant-classic to me. But I
discovered in AOR4 that crazy story about the Wu-tang trying to sell
copies of your work claiming it was an original work from Banksy. Could you sum-up this unbelievable story ?

Haha, yes to say it in one sentence: Wutang tried to fool the internet by telling that „The Cash ruins everything around me“ poster was done by Banksy and selling it as a limited screen print for 100$ as a Wutang/Banksy collab – and I found out about it! As
everyone knows, if you have Banksy involved the attention and value of a print will rise exorbitantly and very fast hence it’s much easier to sell…. The problem was that someone send me the link to that post on the Wu Disciples Blog and I found out about this hoax. In the very beginning the screenprint also had a Banksy Logo on it! Unfortunately I didn’t make a screenshot of this. After a few emails back and forth with Wu Disciples manager we agreed to make a screenprints with the original artist (me) and donate the earned money to “Doctors without Borders” but even though I organised everything at one point I didn’t got any more replies and it came to nothing. Luckily the internet doesn’t forget, so did I :) and when working on the book I found almost all links that proof the truth of this unbelievable story.

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– Do you expect to do an “Art of Rebellion 5” one day ?

I think it’s the same answer like for the last 4 books: Maybe, …we’ll see what happens. But I can imagine that this can happen, for now I’m happy with the latest result :)
Thanks for the interview!

The Art of Rebellion #4
216 pages – English- ISBN: 978-3-939566-49-6
About 35€ – Available at Stylefile

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HENDRIK ECB BEIKIRCH Interview + Book preview

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Can you present yourself? What initially brought you to graffiti? And when did you make the transition to painting portraits?
Hendrik ecb Beikirch, traveling the world. Currently living and working in Koblenz, Germany.
I started in 1989 with classical graffiti, but within a short while changed to more of a unique approach.
Back then my concepts where more focused on graphical shapes whereas nowadays the ideas of my work have more of a fine art approach focusing on textures, showing expression within my portraits through a more painterly means rather than just using spray.

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Who are the people you paint?
In both my large-scale murals and canvases, I want to paint people whose faces tell a story; therefore I take inspiration from accidental and brief encounters.
Taking life back to the streets. Real expressions, faces with stories to tell.
Digital media has changed the way we see beauty anyway. Most faces we see printed in public like on billboards or ads appear unnatural.

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Are your faces always related to the place where you paint them?
The faces are not always related to the place where they are painted.
The portrait has to fit the wall and vice versa, this is a lot about that first feeling.
From a distance, I hope it reads as photo-realistic perfection, yet somewhat unreal due to the drips and abstract textures.
My goal is one should relate so much to the painting from afar, that once he/she stands close, it becomes vague and abstract again.

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Can you tell us what we will find in your book: Blurring Boundaries ? 

Blurring Boundaries

documents on 208 pages my achievements of the last years. It captures the two fields I worked on: Fictional faces and portraits of real people, both on walls and on canvas.

Was it difficult to select the photos for the book?

As I do spend a lot of time on the photographic documentation of my woks it was kind of tough to select the best photos.

You’re known for painting large scale paintings. I can imagine it is very satisfying when the work is done. But do you really take fun painting these big walls?
It is what I love to do. In fact painting big walls is relief and fun all at once for me.
When I am in the cherry picker basket – even if I paint quite fast, like doing the side of a 12 story building in three days – a day is less hectic and stressful just like when smoking from a CBD Cartridge.
If it comes to art in public space I believe you got two options to go for: Clandestine, small, hidden and tiny or as big or tall as it can get.
Art has to compete with architecture, advertisements, and passers-by attention in busy city streets.
You only got a few seconds to catch the attention, to get this first impact.
That’s why I go for the bigger the better.

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 When you have been asked to paint that 70m high wall in South Korea, have you instantly accepted or have you hesitated?
When I first saw a photo of the wall, I was instantly stoked. Arriving at the site it was even better.
The Daniel Libeskind skyscrapers in the background offered a perfect background, both on an aesthetically and content level.

I can imagine you don’t suffer from vertigo… ?
I don’t suffer from vertigo, but as the cherry picker basket was open on the front the view down was something I had to get used to.

Are you sometimes tempted by adding colors to your portraits ?
No, not really.
If it comes to capture emotions in a portrait I think black and white is the best way to go, plus with the big walls you have to break it down to a only a few shades anyway.
And just black and white are so strong by themselves..

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What does inspire you, and who’s work are you into?
My art teacher in school had lived in NYC in the early eighties.
In our drawing room hung a poster he had brought from over there with photos of painted subway cars on it. I was totally fascinated by the Lee Quinones “Stop the Bomb” wholecar.
Besides that the installation Gottfried Helnwein did in Cologne in 1988 in memory of “Kristallnacht” (The Night of Broken Glass 1938).  A hundred meter long wall of pictures with large images of children’s faces, in a seemingly endless row. When I saw this back then it blew my mind.
Nowadays Gerhard Richter for his realism and diversity.
Richard Serra for combining art and physical experience as well as for the way he works with public space.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Nothing last forever.
In the end all you have is what you stood for. I am trying to get this right.

BLURRING BOUNDARIES by Hendrik ecb Beikirch
208 full color pages
Publikat Publishing
ISBN: 978-3-939566-32-8

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Vandalz book – Nils Muller

vandalzVandals is Nils Müller’s new book. Instead of simply photographing the finished works, Müller documents the process behind it.

Here are some the skincare information that we’ve developed for your healthcare: eye masks.

Here are a few words from him.

> When did you start getting actively involved in photography ?
At the age of 16 when I began doing graffiti.

> Was it difficult to select the photos for Vandals. Or is a good photo instantly identifiable ?
It was indeed difficult. I could have made 4 books.

> Graffiti on trains is often done at night or in dark places. Do you like taking photos without much light ?
Well, it depends on the action. Most of the time, you can’t use flash light while they’re painting…

> Do you post-process a lot your photos ?
No.

> We all have understood you are interested in atmospheric pictures (the places, the trains, the yards…) and “action” photos ( before, during and after the painting). You don’t publish them, but do you also take photos of the finished pieces ?
Of course, I do as it is a part of it, too. But these images aren’t interesting for my work as a photographer. I’m focussing on humanity and emotions instead.

> As a former graffiti writer, is it frustrating sometimes to take some risks with people in front of a train and not painting on it?
I found a special technique to get along. It always feels like painting as well. It’s all about the action…

> Which photographers do you admire most?
> Do you know & enjoy other photographers who focused on graffiti on trains like Alex Fakso or Ruedione ?
I respect those artists and of course, I know them. Fakso was one of the first graffiti photographers, I’ve seen so far. As such, he influenced me. I like some works of will Robson scott, too. Further, I like the epic photographs of Henry Cartier Bresson or Richard Avedon and of course, there were even more photographers count.
> You are right now in L.A. Can you share with us what you are doing in California ?
I was busy with another project called wertical.com. We meet some artists such as Mr Cartoon and Marc Ryden to interview them.

Vandals –  192 Pages – Format: 30 x 24 cm
ISBN: 978-3-939566-38-0 – 30€
http://www.publikat.de/212-0-Vandals.html?clang=0
http://www.nilsmuellerphotography.com/


Vandalz
Vandalz Vandalz Vandalz Vandalz Vandalz Vandalz Vandalz Vandalz book

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Madakao: Jace et les Razouks [book]

Here is a little overview of Jace new book about his trips in Madagascar from 2009 to 2011 where he painted many sail boats from local fishermen.
There’s also a DVD with two 22 minutes movies. (Movie teaser here)

Madakao: Jace et les Razouks
120 Pages – 14.5cm X 21,5cm
ISBN: 9782952093415
30€ – The book can be ordered online.

(more…)

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Agradation – Popay

Petit aperçu de Agradation l’ouvrage consacré à Popay dans la collection Orkadre.

100% visuelle cette collection permet de rentrer dans l’œuvre de Popay sans explication écrite. Le lecteur est amené à comprendre par lui-même et de manière
naturelle, la démarche de l’auteur. Seule une préface en 4e de couverture présente Popay.

Au fil des pages on découvrira le travail coloré de Popay via des croquis, peintures, infographies, et photos.

Les pages sont micro-perforées, le lecteur est donc libre de détacher les pages ou pas.

orkadre Vol. 3 /// Agradation // Popay
Format : 10×9 cm — 400 pages couleur
Éditeur: Piktur
Sortie février 2012 – Prix public 20 euros
N° ISBN 978-2-9526838-2-1
http://orkadre.com/ (more…)

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Above book: Passport

As far as I can remember Above was the 1st contact I get from the USA via ekosystem.org. It was more than 10 years ago. And he was also the only non-european to participate to our collective project called Don’t Copy Me in 2002. During those years he regularly sent me news about his travels and actions. Street-artists like travels but it’s more like a lifestyle for Above. He lived in Paris & Barcelona for several months and he traveled more countries than Phileas Fogg the last 10 years.
This book retraces his steps around the world with photos and stories from artists he met.
There are 2 version of the book. The luxury signed-numbered-boxed one (on the first 3 photos) and the regular one with only the book.
http://www.zeropluspublishing.com/above.htm

ABOVE: PASSPORT examines the street artist that has blanketed the world with art covering over 90 cities in 60 countries. The book includes hundreds of plates and quotes from artists across the globe .

Technical Specs

  • 156 pages – 31.1 x 31.1cm
  • Over 270 color images
  • ISBN: 978-1-937222-03-1
  • $55.00

http://goabove.com/

 

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After the Laughter – Herakut

Here is a preview of “AFTER THE LAUGHTER –This  is the 2nd book of Herakut. The 1st one was focused on their work from 2004 to 2008. The new one is about Hera & Akut collaborations from 2009 to 2011.

The book looks like a hand-made scrapbook with sketches & photos. It is a must have for their hardcore fans.

After the Laughter
The 2nd book of Herakut
Jasmin Siddiqui, Falk Lehmann
Hardcover, 21 cm x 26 cm, 240 Pages, 29,90 €
ISBN: 978-3-939566-36-6
publikat.de
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Bike art – Bicycles in art around the world

Your parents and grand-parents certainly dreamt about sport-cars, your old brother or your uncle probably dreamt about sneakers & skateboards. Today’s young generations are more likely to dream about bike (& smart phones) especially if they live in San Francisco or Berlin.

The evolution of bicycle is one that is not well known, but the results are apparent throughout the world. There have been many improvements on it and technology has helped a lot. Websites like ScooterAdviser have reviewed the best bikes made by many manufacturers. There is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one and kids have loved it since.

Publikat & Kiriakos Losifidis from Carpe Diem who published previously the Mural Art series (vol 1vol 2vol 3) probably think the same way, and they made that big book about bicycles in art. I just hope they don’t plan to make a book about smart phones :-)
I may sound a bit sarcastic but the book is -much to my surprise- extremely good.

There are several chapters in that book to celebrate bicycle: Urban Art (aka street/graffiti-art), Paintings, Illustrations, sculptures…
The 1st one about Urban art is not the most interesting, it looks a bit artificial to me, like a random selection of photos of graffiti where a bike has been painted, nothing more. I’m also a bit disappointed that Erosie work about bikes is not even mentioned.

Mr Kern

The main part of the book consists of an amazing selection of paintings & illustrations of bike in very different styles. Honestly I’m often tired of watching illustrations books & Tumblr, but I must confess I really enjoyed this book, and last days I regularly took a moment to enjoy a few more pages.

Aryz Alain Delorme mike giant olek
The last pages of the book are devoted to sculptors and bicycle designers who present their original creations.

Scraper bikes I do ride sometimes, but I rarely watch ‘Le tour de France’, I’ve never thought about ordering a fixie or even replacing my mtb pedals with a new one, nevertheless I would definitely recommend this book for anyone loving good illustrations.

Bike Art
Hardcover, 256 pages
Format: 21cm x 29cm
Text: english/Greek
ISBN: 978-3-939566-37-3
29.90€ (Release 11/2011)
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3 Klebstoff magazines to win !

Klebstoff sticker magazine & ekosystem.org collaborated to offer you 3 issues of Klebstoff magazine and some additional stickers.

1 magazine will be offered for the most interesting comment posted on ekosystem photo gallery before the 5th of October, 1 magazine for the funniest comment and another magazine for the most active commenter on ekosystem in the next 10 days.

Deadline October November the 5th at 12PM

Use a real e-mail on your comments if you want to be contacted to receive a magazine.

Klebstoff is a magazine completly printed on vinyl sticker material and the kiss-cuts make it possible to peel off the content from inside. From cover to end everything is a sticker.

Artists featured:

Matthias Müller, Peekasso, Erosie, Knudzich, Hobby176, Mr. Talion, AGHN, Ernst Markus Stein & Lucy F., Jorge Chamorro, Gregor Körting, Katz & Goldt, Christophe Lambert, Fuzz!Gun, Scores out of ten by Joseph Ernst, Mape, Resto, Paul Barsch, Harthorst, Kevin Carpio, Mr. Kern, Tilman Hornig

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Edition Populaire

Présentation des 2 dernières sorties de chez Edition Populaire. La nouvelle édition grand format (25x31cm) de Fabriqué en France de Dran:  Ses dessins sur des cartons d’emballage divers.
Et une 1ere excursion en dehors du monde du graffiti pour Edition Populaire avec Tout flux d’Océane Mousse. Des dessins qui m’ont fait penser à une version plus poétique et moins gore de ce que peut faire Blu.
Pour fêter l’été, Édition Populaire offre jusqu’au 31 Juillet 2011, de recevoir gratuitement une affiche de l’artiste de votre choix, pour tout achat de 2 ouvrages différents.

 

FABRIQUE EN FRANCE (reexpedition)
Dran – Edition Populaire – 25€
Ean : 9782917409077

(more…)

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TAPS & MOSES book

The book pitch:
Between 2008 & 2010 Taps & Moses painted about 1000 rolling trains within 1000 days!


A question that is always asked in graffiti-writer interviews is : which is better quality or quantity ?
Taps and Moses have clearly chosen both.

The book is very heavy : 1800g and it features on 288 pages (30x22cm) more than 800 photos.
When I check book about street-art & graffiti I must admit that I usually already know most of the photos & artists.
It was a completely different experience with this book where 99% of the photos were new to me.

The 2 german guys paint classic graffiti pieces, but also some very original and smart pieces.
You certainly saw on the net their brilliant red subway car that has one of its doors painted to another spot.

They also excel in the art of painting wholecars.

Who are Taps & Moses ?
It is said that they are two already well-known names in the train scene. It’s easy to believe, two unexperienced writers couldn’t achieve such a colossal mission.
But at the same time, to paint such a number of pieces seems so insane, that we can also think that they have been helped by friends sometimes.


It is clear that this book will be an instant classic to all train graffiti lovers. I knew many train-writers in the early nineties and for many of them, the goal to achieve was to paint 100 panels and a one-man wholecar. Taps & Moses obviously play in a different league, a category they created the International Topsprayer.

INTERNATIONAL TOPSPRAYER
Taps & Moses
ISBN: 978-3-939566-35-9
English/German
Hardcover, 30 × 22 cm, 288 Pages.
29.9€
publikat.de

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