As one of the few artist Nasty is still following and defending the tradition of graffiti culture. He particularly likes to paint tube maps because they remind him of his origins. The metro maps are very inspiring to the artist, because of the graphic layout, the various lines, the different stations and city areas. Even the size is perfect to Nasty.
Nasty began to kidnap outdated or unused subway signs, which he transformed into artful and historic objects using his spray cans and his particular lettering style. His striking calligraphic lettering keeps the graffiti spirit alive. His style is characterized by bright colors, as pink, purple or blue, to break the boring gray or white of the public buildings.
“In the Parisian subways I wrote my own story.”
Nasty, 2022.
From early on Nasty recognized the high potential of the spray can as the ideal object for re- and up-cycling, but at the same time he knew how to turn the presumed leftover of graffiti into a nostalgic cultural asset and piece of history. Since 2005, Nasty compresses the aerosol cans himself with a hydraulic press.
Who knew that spray cans would develop into iconic symbols and insignia representing the graffiti art movement? Since entering the universe of graffiti Nasty always had this passionate fascination for the collection of spray cans, their designs, the name of the colors and the brands.
In Parisian streets and subways passengers recognize his distinctive style in his throw ups immediately. For the Parisians the artist gave the streets, trains and subways new calligraphic style and a colorful life. His longstanding dedication to graffiti as a form of expression is a central element of his oeuvre. He contrasts the urban, wild and unrestrained energy and aesthetic of the streets with the sometimes rigid and cold walls of art institutions.
Tania di Brita
Installation view
KOLLY GALLERY
Seefeldstrasse 52
8008 Zürich
Switzerland
julien@kollygallery.ch
+41 79 301 11 37