Since 2005, Nasty started to compress the aerosol cans himself with various and very basic tools, such as, a cinder block, gardening tools or a manual hydraulic press. When he came across a collector in 2012, who ran a metal factory, he finally found the perfect match to speed up the compression process – an automatic hydraulic press. He was able to compress single ones as well as constructions of four spray cans. His compressed can constructions, which serve as a surface for spraying, have eventually reached a size of 1.20 meters or more and contain over 50 cans.
With much curiosity and persistence during ten years Nasty learns to paint himself on the uneven surface of a compressed spray can. The initial design evolved into versatile, colorful and vivid letterings off his renowned pseudonym „NASTY“. Regarding the aesthetics of the lettering and design Nasty has done an extraordinary and autodidactic progress to spray paint the compressed cans with such accuracy. As already explained he first and foremost uses his alias „NASTY“ as a simple tag or as an elaborate piece, which takes up the most space in the image composition and therefore comes to the center of attention. Furthermore, he utilizes drips, splashes, shadow casts, as well as iconic graffiti symbols and references like stars and aureole to embellish and highlight the intricate works of art. Typically there are also significant statements on Nasty’s art works, such as, „Artistes en Cavale“, „Son of Liberty“ and many more.
Tania di Brita