Re:mapping Graffiti&street art on the local map by Urban Collectors

Re:mapping project

RE:MAPPING We stick the city of Roman on the creativity map. We travel, we meet, we learn and work together, we talk about graffiti, street art and urban art, we spread the word. We reanimate urban spaces and urban sub-cultures in Roman, through street art interventions. We are always looking for new locations and communities, partners and collaborators, in order to reinforce urban solidarity by bringing together young people with different social and cultural backgrounds support the Romanian street art phenomenon by creating professional opportunities for young artists develop international networks of street art and graffiti artists

INTERCULTURAL STREET ART FESTIVAL Roman, July, 2014 more than 20 local and international young artists 7 days of intercultural encounters with the local communities and emerging teenage crews, collective drawing, participative workshops with disadvantaged kids, urban exploring stickers contest more than 250 square metres of graffiti in 2 public spaces

CONTACT US Quantic Association is an open platform for all those who want to explore, to create and to generate change â&#x20AC;&#x201C;towards a future in balance with nature in which we all have equal chances and equal access to resources www.facebook.com/asociatia.quantic https://www.facebook.com/ remappingproject quantic.ro@gmail.com

RE:mapping started in April 2014 as an exchange project and developed into a creative community spreading across boarders.

These pages are for you, use them for anything that inspires you * 4

The important thing is not to stop, to be constant in your work and to always make contacts; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not simple. I find small realities much more fascinating than the impersonal reality of large cities.

Ale Senso [It-De]

I define myself as a visual street artist. The inspiration I take comes after a period of dissemination of things experienced. From the books I read, travel and meeting people (whether they are artists or not), last but not least a good and varied diet (which is not just potato salad but also beautiful fries). 6

In 1996, by chance, a graffiti competition was organized by the town, it gave some spray and a piece of wall, I thought why not try it, so I attended. I received a prize of 15 different colours spray cans. They were cans for cars. I remember that I thought three things: -Wow the spray is a really special artistic medium, you have a lot to learn. -Wow the spray is an artistic medium thought for the hands of a man, and after half an hour of painting my tendons hurt, I will get the carpal tunnel syndrome. -Wow the can is addictive, only half an hour passed since I started painting and I already want to try another colour, to feel it in my nose, a lung will explode. Why have you stopped doing graffiti? Tell us your choice for Berlin, the walls you paint now, exhibitions etc. If you mean the lettering graffiti, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve almost never done pure lettering, I have done many more drawings. For some time, I found a style that you could treat as 3D

letters, but it was not really that, it was more an ornamental spiral pattern very similar to the development of a fractal, an ideogram. This was a journey that ended just as naturally and spontaneously, and I passed to the use of more varied materials, mixing the spray with acrylic, the use of paper and recycled materials, site specific installations in abandoned places. My personal relationship with Berlin is one with a city that I sometimes really love and, at the same time, I really hate so much. However, much remains to be discovered or to be done, certainly it is not a city where you get to be bored, it is a city in perpetual movement, though with much sadness on the bottom. It is a city that will shape good or bad sense, it does not spare slaps or unexpected sweetness to anyone, even when you do not understand it then and there. It is a very tiring city perhaps because it is too relaxed. In spite of it all, I find it a surprisingly creative city, I found a second family here, no one points the finger at me or judge me. Berlin is an island suspended. For anyone who passes by here, whether your stay is short or long, I think the exact perception is that of the footprint in the sand on the seashore, Berlin will be happy to this sign but do not be surprised really that it disappears and no one will ever take it too seriously. Why did you choose to attend Re: mapping ? It was a joint decision: I found the project on the Internet and decided to contact the organizers submitting a set of 7

ideas, which have been accepted and approved. The rest was accordingly, with enthusiasm and participation. So I lived a new experience, I wanted to visit a small place in Romania (Roman) and paint. How was the experience with Re:mapping project? Re:mapping was destined to be a positive experience because the main points of its success were well defined and aligned and unpretentious. I remember a lot of people being curious, staying there at almost all hours of the day just to watch or to exchange a chat; when they realized that we were not â&#x20AC;&#x153;dangerousâ&#x20AC;?, they came to share wine and food with us :) Can you make a living out of art? There are a number of things that have to work in order to live from art, it is not impossible but it is difficult. Lining up all these things, constantly working on it with care and patience, bearing in mind that indexing yourself as an artist and making art is a small part of this game, and it is not enough. In rest, the success is

a variable that you can not, unfortunately, entirely control: it comes early in life, comes late, or never. The magic that unfolds along the way, while you are putting so much effort, becomes the most beautiful and poetic, it is personal and private, a swing that cradles and supports you if you pass through big disappointments. If you think about the future, what will happen and where do you see yourself? (*) In the bar of Star Wars, as a meeting place at the end of the jam. I see myself travelling. What advice would you give to young writers / street performers / artists who aspire to a career? It seems that we are made to suffer, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s our lot in life! (C3PO to R2D2 - Star Wars) Remember, Luke: The Force will be with you, always. (Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars)

why do i paint? There is no why, so no reason, my painTing is a continuing research. Research in materials colors and the reactions of both placed on the pictorial support.

Angelo Spatola [It] My style comes from the relationship that I have with industrial materials created by man, with the glaze and with building materials (such as stucco and everything else related) and all the resulting reactions. This is for me a source of inspiration, the material forming unity to my aesthetic taste… The first memory is about a tempera on canvas, dark colors, very expressive of discomfort, it was called 10

“la coda per il pane” in translation “the bread queue”. How is the situation of art in your country? (any particularities, how do you see it compared to other countries). Bad and can not be otherwise in a country like Italy at this historic moment. Despite everything, I always see many small realities, the excitement, but I am speaking of the excitement that does not

end in the newspapers or in the auction millionaire. I can not say what is the best country to do art, but I visited the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin and there were huge spaces with high ceilings that make artist working-condition better, I think it was a former industrial area, while regarding my academic experience in Italy I remember I was locked in a small room 4 x 3m to paint overcrowded with three other guys. Now I know that it’s even worse. So with this small example, I can talk about the different importance that my country gives to art, comparing to Germany. Moreover, as in any discipline, as well as at work, in Italy there is no meritocracy, I don’t want to tell you fairy tales, it is exactly like this... Why did you choose to attend Re:mapping project? Because I thought it was an opportunity to prove myself, I had never participated at an event like this, with young street artists. I wanted to push my experiences with them to see the result. And then I had never seen Romania! What were the things you were surprised

of, how was the interaction with the local community? Some memories? It was a very pleasant experience, very well organized. I also tried to learn more about the Romanian people and the Roma people in Roman, I was very curious to have knowledge of their condition, and I think that temperamentally I have developed so many points of contact with part of them, and in general I felt really in tune with the people of the place. I remember that a gentleman who had a garage right next to the painted wall once told me that children would destroy the wall very quickly, by throwing stones at it. A few days ago on facebook, a guy who lived in the vicinity of our intervention took a classic “selfie” with the side of my background and I was surprised to see that the wall was still in one piece. By this I mean that the beauty of art has more power and endurance than the repressions of a “police state”. Continuing the idea above, I believe that the purpose of raising awareness is a very important factor, adding the aesthetic factor and the relation to different artistic realities.

Graffiti and street art galleries? Is it a part of the future? But it is an outdated question matter and extremely old, I do not see how anyone can think of street art in the galleries as part of the future. It's a useless question already passed in the '80s, Basquiat, Haring entered in the galleries bringing their work from the street to the art world, so I do not see how I can expect to see street art in galleries in the future... I make paintings and installations in the context of art spaces such as galleries. I hope the new artistic realities (like graffiti) will stay away from the world of galleries, artists must make communities, share ideas, experiences, and not fight against each other to be recognized in the world of art. Can you make a living out of art? Sure you could, but only if “your back is covered”. [“hai le spalle coperte” is a figure of speech in Italian to describe the situation in which a wealthy person keeps you financially secure and you don’t have to work for a living]

I can only recommend to always work with great constancy on their ideas with “heads up” [“testa alta”] I want to thank so much the entire organization team at Re:mapping project, all the guys involved and especially Alexandra, admiring her for a job well done, hoping that in the future she will be able to do so many other similar events. I also want to thank all the people of Roman who contributed and experienced with us the birth of the wall.

I’m a dreamer, I believe you can live from art, love and air :)) I admire everything beautiful and original, but my favorite artist of all time is, for sure, Mother Nature.

Creaturi Dragute , [Ro] Hey, hey! I‘m the creator of MyCuteCreatures ( „Creaturi Dragute“ in my language). I‘ve started this wonderful journey when I was about 16 years old. Hip Hop introduced me to graffiti and after a while I fell in love with street art. I can‘t remember anything in particular right now, like a story or something, but I remember how happy I was to discover that I could do whatever I wanted: draw, color,be free...

I don‘t know what others think, but for me graffiti and street art are the same and I do them because it makes me happy. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? Hmmm....my style....it‘s me :D, everything around me is inspiring: cute animals, nature, feelings, people, every little thing. How is the situation of the movement in your country? Also, please mention what is in your opinion the best plac to do graffiti and why. In Romania graffiti/street art is, as in other fields, at the beginning and we are moving very slowly, but is really awesome that we are moving :D. I‘ve stopped caring about how the movement is going, I just what to do what I like because I know that as long as I do something, myself, there is movement, there is 13

hope that others will join me. The best place to do graffiti is everywhere because it’s awesome!!! What do you think about graffiti/ street art as a tool of self expression, empowerment, active citizenship? Political statement or just aesthetics? This is tricky....I don‘t think so much about this, I just do it ! Graffiti or street art can be whatever you want it to be, that‘s the beauty of it . Why did you choose to participate in Re:mapping project? Last year was a very difficult one for me and I refused a lot of projects, but Re:mapping really captured my interest because of its purpose: color some lives for a little while. The experience was really great, I really enjoyed working with the kids and the other extraordinary artists. What surprised me in a pleasant way was the feedback we received from the community, all my worries and negative thoughts managed to disappear for a while just seeing how happy the kids were to watch us drawing and to participate in this, too. I have only good memories from this awesome event. It was one of the best I‘ve ever been to, in terms of experience and organization. Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? Hmmm, it could be part of the evolution of this movement, but real graffiti/street art is in the streets as its name is also saying. 14

If you think about graffiti/street art in the future, what will happen and where do you want to see yourself? I‘m not thinking so much about the future, I just enjoy the present and I want to draw as much as I can . What this will bring me, where it will take me...it‘s a surprise...a nice one, I hope :D What advices would you give to young writers/street artists? My advice is the one I always want to hear: Do whatever you like, whatever makes you happy! -- Enjoy everything!

Graffiti is my PASSION, I DON’T NOW WHY I’M DOING THIS, I FEEL THAT I NEED TO PAINT A WALL!

Emzol [Ro] My parents are painters, they paint canvases for a living and when I was a child I didn’t like to draw and paint, but when I turned 14 years I discovered Graffiti, a different way to paint. When I was 13-14 years, I had some friends in the hood and one of them was very popular and the rest of them were doing all the same things as him. He was in trend. All my friends were doing graffiti because he was doing it. His tag was Emos and he was from Mzk crew. This is why my tag is Emzol. 16

All my friends have quitted on graffiti but I continued. Emos died when he was 18 in a car accident and now I carry his tag. Ok, in 2008 I meet Whyx who initiated me in the real graffiti world and I can say that I was one of his first students. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? I’ve learnt all about graffiti from my friends and my style was developed throughout the years with big influence from my friends: Msero, Recis and Krom. They taught me how to build a letter, how to combine the colours and what is the flow. What artists, writers do you like? Haha, I think I am very subjective. I like artists from Romania: Msero, Kero, Recis, Seyr, The Fly, Chill, Biex and the list can continue. But also I like Bordalo II, Smash, Taps&Moses, Madc, etc.

How is the situation of the movement in your country? In Romania it is a good movement. In 2010, the metro was a very big attraction for a lot of graffiti writers from around the world. But I prefer to paint in Campulung, I want the people in this town to understand graffiti as an art not as vandalism. This is why I have a crew with Air and we struggle to paint legally in visible places and to have exhibitions. What do you think about graffiti/ street art as a tool of self expression, empowerment, active citizenship? Political statement or just aesthetics? Graffiti is self expression! What you paint represents you. And also you can deliver a message. How was your experience with the Re:mapping project? What were the things you were surprised of, how were the locals, the community? Any memories? I like the idea of Remapping, making professional graffiti in a small town. I saw a lot of contests and festivals with graffiti but those used graffiti to promote a company or to win money from the state. But this project didn’t promote a company, it promoted the town and graffiti as such. The organizers didn’t win money after it, but they spent the money to make it a good project. One memory would be that in Roman’s Park we were walking on the grass and a cop was mad at us because walking on grass was restricted, but when he recognised us from the local TV channel, he was very happy to meet us.

Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? Graffiti must be in galleries because it’s very clear that it will be a part of the future. When a new visual art occurs, people are revolted by it. This always happened in the history of art. What advices would you give to young writers/street artists, who aspire to a similar “career”? To draw a lot on paper, on walls, on no matter what!! To make friends with the same passion and to love what they do.

Writing is like drawing, a need of thoughts. Who cares about the support, the instruments, paper or walls, pencils or spray cans? What matters is the message: letters or illustrations. I must believe that the idea plus a great technique plus true skills will win it all.

Laduck Crew Magenta [It] Once upon a time there was a small group of guys called OCA (in italian it means the members of the goose). It was 1999, Pier was one of the founders and with the other guys, they changed the name of the crew and acronyms so many times (one of the best names that will stay in my heart forever is the DPF Crew).

When they were young, these guys felt like all the kids who think doing graffiti is a matter of being cool, on paper and on walls too. Over the years and through the yards the crew changed so many clothes and players. We learned about putting on gloves and masks to protect ourselves, we improved our skills and now we are four: Pier, Simo Mura, Swem and here I come, Magenta (but you can call me Mag). With Pier, I’m the co-funder and active part of the Laduck Crew. I’m Italian, I live between Lecco and Milan, and I have the passion of writing. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspiration from everything and I paint in a flat way. I’m a freaky story teller that describes what she sees in a pictorial way. What artists, writers do I like? All those I get inspiration from, who have grown with me and all the friends I got in these years. No name, no pain. 19

How is the situation of the movement in your country? Hurly-burly. People in Italy can’t stand what we do but I’ve learned that no matter how much we care, some people just don’t care back.

Why do you do graffiti or street art? Writing is like drawing, a need of thoughts. Who cares about the support, the instruments, paper or walls, pencils or spray cans? What matters is the message: letters or illustrations. I must believe that the idea plus a great technique plus true skills will win it all.

What do you think about graffiti/ street art as a tool of self expression, empowerment, active citizenship? Political statement or just aesthetics? I believe that graffiti is a tool of not just self, but especially social expression. ww We change and they change too with the whole of society. Unfortunately, a lot of cities’ administrations think that we could stop doing graffiti if they gave us little parts of legal walls. In fact, I think they used to do this just to grow businesses and tourism without paying back. But it’s not the right way to understand graffiti culture. Anyway, they can’t stop us, because we are not part of some big live T.V. commercial. Politically or aesthetically pleasing, we could put our name or our trademark everywhere without authorizations. Think about it. Why did you choose to participate in Re:mapping project? What is the best part of being a writer? And above all, what is the best part of being a woman writer? Woman of course.

Re:mapping project is a great work created by great women and gave us the special opportunity to create art in a foreign country. Thank you girls (and all the volunteers - female and male)! How was the experience with Re:mapping project? What were the things you were surprised, how were the locals, the community? Any memories? In Bucharest and also in Roman, I simply found another family. Discovering different cultures while travelling for painting is the best way to live. Re:mapping project officially started in a room with all drawing together. Wow! Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? I have another question for you: how long will graffiti stay in a gallery for an exposition? Can you make a living out of art? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still trying to do that. Meanwhile with two other friends (both writers) we work as art directors, art coaches and product designers. We arise from our passions day by day creating handmade design.

If you think about graffiti/street art in the future, what will happen and where do you want to see yourself? Graffiti gave me a lot without taking back anything. I see myself into graffiti. Forever and ever. What advices would you give to young writers/street artists/ artists, who aspire to a similar career? What do you want to say to them? Stop chatting on fb. Take your spray cans and go out. Please guys, improve your brains and your way to live.

Any last words? Minus ghetto style, plus smile. 21

Mr. Blob [It]

Graffiti is evolving day by day towards new styles and new ideas. I do not know what will happen, but for myself, I hope to continue to do this my entire life, to continue to offer emotions to myself and to the people who follow and appreciate my work. Of course, managing to live from this would not hurt.

It all started at the age of 13, thanks to some friends who follow the hip hop culture. Fascinated by this world and thanks to a friend who practiced Writing, I got passionate with this and undertook a long journey in making sketches and going in search of walls to paint. Why do you do graffiti or street art? Because for me art is more satisfying than anything in the world and is the best way to express myself - making the messages of my drawings visible on the streets. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? For two years now I have tried to create a personal feature that would be recognizable as my style, trying to associate it more and more to my name, creating distorted and deformed characters telling facts, stories and moods that surround me. I get my inspiration day by day from what I live, the people around me and the moods that accompany the days. What artists, writers do you like? Oh, good question! 23

Roman, Neamt( Rom창nia) 2014 25

There are so many artists that I like, starting with the founding fathers who taught us all. They have done so much for this movement over the years. Let’s say that I like all the artists who make graffiti with style and have a broad background on the cultural history of this art. How is the situation of the movement in your country? In my country the scene of writing is very rich. We can say that the Italian scene has given much to the culture of writing in the world, through the years. There are many Italian artists who have represented our scene worldwide. The best place to do graffiti in my opinion...there is no place that is important, but it is what it becomes of it. It is important to take what belongs to us, the streets, and anything to express yourself. Why did you choose to participate in the Re:mapping project? Because I thought it would be a great opportunity to collaborate with other artists there, each one bringing their own experiences and above all, to bring something new, smiles emotions in common place. It was great to see so many artists who create something for the community Both for us and for the community it was 10 really intense days and full of emotion.

How was the experience with the Re:mapping project? The experience was really intense and full of emotions. It seemed as if we all knew each other for years. In fact we have all become one big family from day one. The community has been fantastic and we were welcomed like children. In your opinion what is the purpose of these events like Re:mapping, street festivals like local jams, Meeting of styles etc.? To have the ability to share your art with artists from around the world, to compete, to learn new things and, especially to learn about new artists and expand this great family that carries on this culture worldwide. Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? It’s about the present and also about the past. And this culture has entered in the galleries for many years. More years pass and more new galleries open their doors to graffiti and street art. Can you make a living out of art? It is not easy. It’s a very tedious road. You have to produce a lot, to engage in creating something original and unique, take every opportunity that can help you grow artistically and can make you known and maybe if you’re lucky you may even live from this. It is, as I said, a very hard road. What advice would you give to young writers/street artists, who aspire at similar “career”? To engage in the search for his/her own style, to produce a lot, to always do what they want to do and not to adapt to what the masses want or think is good. And above all: to express themselves more. Any last words? Big Up for Re:mapping, for all the artists and especially for the organizers! It was a very special event!!! Full of emotions and memories!!!

It’s so simple, but so complex at the same time. It all comes down to this – graffiti and street art are a part of me. I couldn’t see myself any other way or doing anything else. It’s not about doing it for pleasure, fun, because it’s cool or whatever – it has become an extension of my personality and existence.

NTH [Ro] Hey, I’m NTH (Nazek the Hater). My story with these art forms started when I was around 12 years old, first with graffiti and then street art. The reason I began doing graffiti is actually pretty funny, seeing as I was young at the time. I was really hooked on a band (Linkin Park :))) and I started writing its name on walls. After that, I began writing the names of my classmates for them in different styles, up until a friend brought me a CD full of graffiti songs. I became really absorbed by 28

the whole phenomenon and that’s when stuff got serious. After that, I started doing street art because I wanted something a bit different, so I began working on characters (about 5 years ago). Since then, I’ve been doing both graffiti and street art, and I love both art forms more than I could express in words. Why do you do graffiti or street art? It’s so simple, but so complex at the same time. It all comes down to this – graffiti and street art are a part of me. I couldn’t see myself any other way or doing anything else. It’s not about doing it for pleasure, fun, because it’s cool or whatever – it has become an extension of my personality and existence. The thing is that it’s turned into a necessity – I have to do it for me, for my soul, mind and all-around spirit. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? I honestly can’t state that I have one single style, especially regarding street art.

One of the styles is based on fun, I guess (in Romanian we have the term “caterincă” :))), the other is oriented towards more serious illustrations. I get inspiration from geometry (namely geometrical forms), philosophy, symbolism and, of course, life. I don’t have a certain style that I concentrate my work on, I really enjoy experimenting more than anything.

I believe that graffiti and street art are about what the artist feels, it’s not only about aesthetics or only trying to prove a statement. On one hand there are many artists with a powerful political message, on the other hand there are others who concentrate on the visual part – I really do it for what I feel and what I want to express. It’s how I calm down and disconnect, it’s what makes my life beautiful and worth living. That’s why I prefer to work in an abandoned place than on the streets. Why did you choose to participate in the Re:mapping project? I thought it was an awesome project – I’m really glad that I made the decision.It’s sincerely the greatest event I’ve participated in until now in Romania and it was an unforgettable new experience.

How was the experience with the Re:mapping project? Everything was totally

wonderful. I was really surprised that the people in such a small city were so happy that we were painting there, that we showed them something new. Usually people don’t have this kind of reactions regarding graffiti or street art – it was a great feeling for all of us to see our art appreciated in the community. The entire project is filled with amazing memories; I couldn’t pick just one. The whole experience and what we felt there is irreplaceable. What artists, writers do you like? I truly respect almost all writers and artists that really put passion into what they do – you can clearly feel it in their work. I could start talking about a lot of artists, but you can’t compare them because their styles are totally different and each one has something special that makes them stand out.

How is the situation of the movement in your country? As I see it, the movement in Romania is evolving at a slow pace because it is at the beginning, but I hope that in the near future the talented kids will help take things to another level. We, the older ones, should set a good example for them and show them why the movement is so beautiful, from all points of view. I sincerely don’t think that there is an ideal place, city or country - graffiti and street art should be done anytime, anywhere, anyhow. Just do it with passion. What do you think about graffiti/ street art as a tool of self expression, empowerment, active citizenship? Political statement or just aesthetics? 29

In your opinion what is the purpose of these events like Re:mapping, street festivals like the ones from Timisoara, Cluj, local jams, Meeting of styles etc.? One of the main purposes is to show the world the beautiful part of this type of art. Another reason is to unite and reunite the community of writers and artists. It’s important for artists to meet, become friends, exchange ideas and evolve together. In the end, graffiti was born from a lack of communication, why should we lose it now?

Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future?

I think it’s a great idea, especially if you can combine graffiti style with illustrations and put it all on canvas. On the other hand, I believe that raw graffiti shouldn’t be placed in a gallery. It was made on the streets, for the streets.

Can you make a living out of art?

It’s difficult in Romania, you have to make a lot of sacrifices.

If you think about graffiti/street art in the future, what will happen and where do you want to see yourself?

At one point graffiti and street art will take a commercial turn, the phenomenon has

whole Re:mapping project wouldn’t have been possible. It was an unforgettable

already started. From my point of view, street art combined with illustrations will

experience and we can’t wait to meet up with everybody again and do what we

leave a strong mark on the history of art, slowly but surely becoming a style itself,

love: paint, laugh and create even more great memories.

that will be talked about in art schools for many years. How do I see myself? Evolving. What advice would you give to young writers/street artists, who aspire at similar career? What do you want to say to them? 1. Practice makes perfect. 2. Be devoted and make sacrifices. 3. Without passion you have nothing. 4. Don’t forget respect. 30

Any last words?

I’d really like to thank Alexandra and the Quantic Association, without them the

RO QIC [Ro]

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what will happen in the future, I know that street art and graffiti will never die, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a part of human nature and culture, a form of expression for everybody. I like to see myself painting murals all day long, until the last day on this earth.

Hi there, first of all my name is Ro, I come from a small town called Piatra-Neamt from Romania. I finished the art high school, and moved to the capital where I started the art university, and got a degree in graphic design. The simplicity of the drawings and the paintings from the Bucharest streets inspired me to create something new, something of my own, so I made a simple character and started painting it on the city walls. After a while I met two guys, Nazek and Pren, who shared the same passion for street art with me. The two of them already had a crew called Q.I.C (Quick Image Control), and invited me to join them. Since then I paint with every chance I get. Why do you do graffiti or street art? I do this because it makes me feel free. 32

How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? I would describe my style as dynamic and playful. As for the inspiration part, I usually let my feelings do all the work. What artists, writers do you like? There are many artists that I like, but if I would have to choose one, that one would be ARYZ. How is the situation of the movement in your country? I don’t think there is such thing as a street art movement in Romania, because there is no community and there are very few people encouraging this type of art. As for the best place for painting, for me, every place on this earth is great to do it. What do you think about graffiti/ street art as a tool of self expression, empowerment, and active citizenship? Political statement or just aesthetics? I think it’s an awesome way to express feelings and easily spread a message, giving others a reason to smile. I don’t think it should be used for criticism, nor for acts of vandalism. Why did you choose to participate in Re:mapping project? How could I refuse a chance to paint and meet other people that share the same passion with me? How was the experience with Re:mapping project? What were the things you were surprised of, how were the locals, the community? Any memories? It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Due to the fact that the event took place in the countryside, I was impressed by the impact it had on the locals, they’ve never seen this type of activities in real life, it made them extremely happy. As for the memories, I will never forget that week and the people that I met there, BIG UP and thank you Re:Mapping. Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? No doubt it will be a part of the future. Can you live from art? I can’t live from my art in Romania without compromising my style.

If you think about graffiti/street art in the future, what will happen and where do you want to see yourself? I don’t know what will happen in the future, I know that street art and graffiti will never die, it’s a part of human nature and culture, a form of expression for everybody. I like to see myself painting murals all day long, until the last day on this earth. What advices would you give to young writers/street artists, who aspire to a similar career? What do you want to say to them? There’s place for everyone in this world, if you FEEL that this is what you want to do in your life, then DO IT, apart from you nobody can stop you. Remember to believe in yourself and THE POWER THAT IS WELL HIDDEN IN YOU. Any last words? I like turtles. 33

When I’m drawing it is just me, the wall and my inner creative force, I forget about anything else, it is like an energetic discharge. I like the feeling of discovering, to discover new shapes, to let my style evolve.

Stol [Ro] Hello, I’m Seyr (Stol). I started in 2002 with some classmates and some friends from my neighborhood. I thought it seemed very interesting, that’s all. Starting 2006 i decided to draw more serious, to do much more elaborate pieces, i started to think to have my own style. In 2009 I discovered my personal style. 36

That period was very good, you didn’t have special materials, you had to do your own markers, squeezers, to look for good sprays (there were just auto sprays) - I think those experiments helped us grow, and become more inventive and creative. I was attracted by the fact that you have liberty, no one tells you what to do, how to do, when to do, it was my way of escaping from the ordinary. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? My style is a mathematical free style, I rely heavily on clean lines - vectors - but I like to combine effects, to work on layers. For me, the structure of the letters matters a lot, sometimes I even prefer to do just outlines. I like to start from one line and then develop further. Dynamism interests me very

much. It has to be not static, always in motion. I allow myself to be influenced by the ambient, the environment. I never know what wall I will paint, what colors I will use, never respect the draft, I start from an idea and I sometimes end up changing it completely. I am very interested in the texture of the walls. I think at some point Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get to create my own textures ( ha ha). My inspiration: music, geometry, architecture and nature. I live for innovative ideas, ideas of the moment. I live for the idea. What artists, writers do you like? Let me think.... I like many artists from different art fields, both in art area and in the graffiti. How is the situation of the movement in your country? It is a relatively small movement compared to other countries, with few active people, but with pretty good styles. I think in the future the situation will change and increasingly more people are going to be active. For me the best place to do graffiti is where I find the environment to express myself: abandoned factories, buildings (wherever I find the frame, the base to â&#x20AC;&#x153;lay downâ&#x20AC;? my work).

What do you think about graffiti as a tool of self expression, empowerment, active citizenship? Political statement or just aesthetics? For me it has nothing to do with politics, it’s strictly personal. It is simply personal development. It’s a matter of style.

who do the same thing, to feel good, to evolve together. Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? It is an option, a way to promote your “brand”, but graffiti belongs in the streets and unconventional places.

How was the experience with the Re:mapping project? What surprised you, how were the locals, the community? It was the most interesting event I participated in, very good in terms of interaction with the community. It was very exciting to meet regular people who had no connection with this phenomenon, and to instantly be friends with both children and adults. We all felt great, we formed friendships and I hope to work together in the future. I remember all the kids were tenaciously asking us for sprays, they were very pushy. Eventually we gave them some and they secretly drew on the school walls (just like real graffers).

Can you make a living out of art? You can certainly try to live from it.

In your opinion what is the purpose of these events like Re:mapping, street festivals like the ones from Timisoara, Cluj, local jams, Meeting of styles etc.? The role is to promote this way of expression, to get to meet with your friends

If you think about graffiti in the future, what will happen and where do you want to see yourself? I do not like to think about the future, I prefer to live in the present. I know that evolution is ahead, but I don’t want to think of that evolution. I like to be surprised by what happens. What advice would you give to young writers/street artists, who aspire at similar career? Work hard and respect the others.

STE-MARTA

ste-marta [It] We are Ste and Marta, a couple both in life and in art. We have been writing poems since we were children, before meeting the street art world. When we met, we started thinking about a way to publish our poems and writings: the traditional path consisting in printing a book and selling it seemed us to be quite abused; the publishing system is filled, and it often responds only to the logic of the market. Moreover, we were searching for a medium that could allow us to speak directly to people. It was the same period in which we started to approach 40

We think that street art is an incredible way to speak directly to the people, and for this reason it has an enormous It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that street art must deal with politics in the narrow sense, but a social content is something essential; with street art you can speak to humans about humanity. responsibility: in canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be just aesthetics, it is not in its nature. the street art world: we met some Italian artists, and we began to think that we could mix poetry and street, words and aesthetics: we started to bring poems and phrases out in the streets, first of all on paper (big cartons and things like these), and then on walls, on gates, and on other urban spaces that can be called non-lieu. It was two years ago: we have come a long way so far and our intent is to continue this way, meeting new inspiring artists and realities. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? Street poetry is a reality that exists and operates in Italy since ten years ago, thanks to artists like ivan and Opiemme. Obviously, we started looking at their works. Now we are trying to evolve and experiment: we work on geometric forms, we adapt verses to recreate figures, and so on. We put a great attention in finding words and poems: we read Italian and foreign poets, mainly of the XX century; and we take inspiration from the contemporaneity, from what we see around us.

It was our first experience in a street art and graffiti project, and we found it incredible. First of all, for the fantastic people we met there: we think that one of the best things of the project was the fact that it involved not only an artistic level, but first of all the human level. It gave us the opportunity of an artistic as well as human growth: we worked with people that inspire us also today, and that we consider friends. We also felt accepted and welcomed by the community. A special thanks to the organizers that had planned everything and had made the project possible. Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? Maybe. We still don’t know that world, maybe one day we will be confronted with it. But it is important not to lose the contact with the streets.

The streets are not only our medium, but also our source. How is the situation of the movement in your country ? The situation of street art and graffiti in Italy is quite particular: in the area near Milan, mainly in this period, it has been approved and incentivized, sometimes with compromises and contradictions. But there is a lot of suspicion and distrust about it. We saw street art supporters being accused of conspiracy (that is quite ridiculous, if you think about the enormous number of corrupted politicians that are not punished at all). Sometimes mayors and politicians support the movement, but often it is a façade, for their political purpose. The situation changes from case to case.

What advices would you give to young street artists/artists who aspire to a similar “career”? Before we started this project, we never thought we could do all the things that we now do. You’ll never know if you never try. So, the key is just to start, giving the best you have, and see what will happen. Any last words? To confront with other people is always the best way to grow up.

Why did you choose to participate in Re:mapping project? When we were told about the project, we suddenly thought that it would be a great opportunity and experience. We had started our work relatively recently, and we wanted to enrich our baggage: a project in a foreign country, with a social commitment, was what we were searching for. Moreover, we saw that the contributors of the project came from graffiti and street art: our purpose was to add street poetry, bringing words and phrases that, also with aesthetic attention, could interact and dialogue with the site, giving a contribution of sense. How was the experience with Re:mapping project? 41

Tatis [It]

I find it more exciting than just paint paintings. On the wall you can explore with techniques and forms, colors and features. Drawings on a walls a few hours or days and this brings you to a level of concentration other than the time you spend in the studio.

I was born in Colombia and raised in Italy, and thanks to this I had the possibility to start an academic and artistic path with large bases of Italian art. In 2008 I started the academy in Turin and in the same year I was introduced to the world of street art and graffiti. It all began as a child with an innate passion for drawing and my first memory of a competition with my father. I think that was the beginning of everything. One of the most important things in my career was the support from my mother, who always believed in my abilities and in my ideas. Even if I am a street artist, I cultivate and follow a personal project on canvas. I find that in my studio I can find peace that illuminates my thoughts and I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital that there are these two sides of me. Working on big surfaces outside of a canvas is a great experience and at the same time is a continuous research bringing always new techniques and styles. How would you describe your style? Where do you get your inspiration from? I followed a path that taught me about the many techniques. Parallel to this, thanks to the experience abroad, in recent years I tried to set up a pop surrealist style, where the imagination collides and has no limits. But the main idea remains the Samsara, the thread that ties life, death and rebirth. I find that is the basis of the poetics of my work. 43

What artists, writers do you like? I try to never stop on an artist or manner of expression of others, but to sweep in a variety of research, from illustrations to oil paintings. In doing so, I find I have a great artistic culture from the year 800 to the present. This is an important step to complete a 360-degree artist. Even in the world of graffiti artists have a wide selection of great artists, but what inspires me the most are illustrators, watching them work over large areas and using the color professionally. The main artists for me are names like Aryz, BOM.K, BLUE and Vhils.

Graffiti and street art in galleries? Is this a part of the future? Even if both (graffiti and street art) are born in the street and for the street, sooner or later an artist has to deal with gallery owners and critics. In short, it is like a step to reinforce your ideas and be able to share a lot more to the world. I do not see anything wrong in the galleries. One should leave certain patterns that only work for street art. Not doing so, an artist would not be able to promote to the utmost what he creates and finally he’ll never survive. My idea is that at the right time you have to move in both fields.

How is the situation of the movement in your country? Turin is a city with a large number of artists, unfortunately for how beautiful this aspect is, there are not many opportunities for exposure or to establish interesting contacts that you can rely on. However, there are a few places where the creativity of an artist is appreciated and goes beyond an exhibition in the gallery. wSamo (Torino, Italia) is one of them, a club and cultural center that values the efforts of each individual artist and through whom I met Re: Mapping (Grupul Quantic), and I was selected for a travel and cultural exchange in Romania. In my many trips I have known several people and realities and it is always nice to find interesting people who live through art. However, I noticed that in Berlin there is a large concentration of artists and exhibition spaces and new ideas fill the air.

Can you make a living out of art? Linked with my previous answer, living from art is difficult. Working only within the private sector one cannot expect to survive a lifetime. As I said before, an artist must be able to move forward and the next step on the road is the gallery. Although it is a difficult environment, in which I do not feel at ease, it is a way to search for peacefulness and offers the possibility to do less common interventions.

How was the experience with Re: mapping project? The main interest was to travel and learn about the world of street art and graffiti of the place. The project developed, however, other interesting aspects such as working closely with the community and getting to know the reality of a life completely different from what I had seen before. I can say that one of the greatest satisfactions was to stay close to children, young minds who showed a fantastic creative interest. For all these emotions I again want to thank Grupul Quantic. It was also interesting to help organize an event with so many artists, and I kept in close contact with the volunteers of the project. 44

If you think about graffiti / street art in the future, what will happen and where do you want to see yourself? This is a diverse world that can only grow and the only limit I see is when all the surfaces of the earth are colored (hahaha I like this playful idea!). The audience is always impressed and affected by urban interventions and therefore I hope they will continue in the future. The path that I have taken has led me to the knowledge of the different surfaces, studies of color and an increase in the size of the surface. In fact, I’m trying to get to decorate surfaces that go beyond the usual wall of Jam. What advices would you give to young writers / street artists / artists, who aspire to similar career? Based on my experience I can say that you must believe in what you do and be familiar with the phenomena even from a young age and as technical as the art scene around you. This helps you search for your own style, one of the key elements if you are to be recognized as an artist. The road is the same for everyone. The time of vandalism is a short road and the thrill of the street takes place while you are still young, fresh and without a detailed method to start working professionally. Get to know who you are dealing with, the public, gallery owners, critics and as a result behave properly. I always say that the artist must be able to move in certain circles, crowds. Don’t be fooled - many will use what you create without giving you credit!