As an allegorical association to the application of paint from the spray can, L’outsider chooses the symbol of the wind. In his current series, it is not about the representation of letters and their abstraction, but primarily about the reactions of the paint particles that are pressed out of the can. The artist exploits this phenomenon by creating layers of different thicknesses of paint so the spray paint “hits” different parties of the surface.
As said the aesthetic and abstraction of writing in not a focal point of the art works at the moment. The artworks seem be constantly fluctuating around that unique point of balance between the polarities: harshness and softness, bright and dark, static and dynamic – exactly like the wind. The handling and study of the material of the spray can is always omnipresent, developing different modalities and traits of the application of paint with spray cans. The support, by its textures and its construction, creates an accidental aesthetic that he has always liked.
„The word ‚adrenaline‘ prefigures my state of research during the act of painting.”
L’Outsider, 2022.
The adrenaline prefigures his state of research during the act of painting. The practice of illegal and legal graffiti leads to quiet extreme feelings and sensations of paranoia, fear or concentration under pressure, but also adrenaline, joy and satisfaction after the creation of a piece!
As a ‚retired writer’ L’outsider is no longer confronted with this context, but still tries recreate and reactivate the relationship with the ‚outside‘ and ‚inside‘. He therefore adapts the studio practice, by giving himself only limited time to paint, painting on a sleepless night only accompanied by the light of his mobile or using almost empty cans. He also keeps the ‘outside’ practice activated. Therefore he painted a graffiti piece corresponding to each canvas produced.
The relationship to time and environment while creating graffiti as well as art through an adrenaline rush becomes distorted and the boundaries often blur. This creates a certain flow experience for the artist. The unique and particular relationship to time and sensation during the creation of graffiti in L’outsiders urban practice is transposed on canvas.
Through years of experience within the graffiti practice L’outsider has gained his knowledge that at the same time is his inspiration for the artistic practice.
Tania di Brita
Installation view
Rautistrasse 11
8047 Zurich
Switzerland
Only on appointment
T +41 79 301 11 37