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Keramik

“My Art Is My Language!”

Born in Vienna in the late 70’s, graffiti artist Keramik’s talent for art was recognized early in his childhood. What began with scribbles and pencil drawings, evolved into a variety of artistic streams of consciousness leading to a continuous output of new works and culminating recently in a diploma at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna in 2006.

Keramik’s work, “The Oneliner” – a pictogram, created by using one continuous pencil line functions as his logo – and this is not the only creature he invented.

The fabulous “Mr. Horse” (which comes in kit form). “The Whoole” as protagonist tells critical tales about a penis and its sometimes rather mad and irrational behavior.

Keramik has participated in numerous collaborations and exhibitions, check out the interview for details!

FMCS: Tell us about yourself and your work.

Hello! I am a man who creates with drawing, paintings and buildings.

FMCS: Where do you currently live and work?

I live and work in Vienna. Sometimes I work in other countries too. When I am asked to participate in a show, or work a job.

FMCS: How come your great interest in art, more specifically in graffiti and street art.

Art is my personal language that I use to express myself to other human beings, animals and others.

Graffiti and street art is one good tool for my expression! The aspect of placing your work in public and it has to go to work for itself. It’s very much up to that particular piece of art whether it will survive or not in the environment the artist positioned it in, and if the language of the art piece will be understood.

FMCS: How do you see the commercial use of graff?

If someone would want to use their artistic talents in the commercial environment to support their more concept based art then I think its ok to work with companies or private people who want to use Graff for their promotional purpose.

FMCS: Tell us about the graffiti scene in Austria.

It exists!

FMCS: Is there a specific Vienna Style existing?

Yes, there is. Some people say that I have made an impact on it! But I have to say, that there was a Vienna Style before (ask SKERO). You cannot describe this scene easily!

Take a look at www.servuswien.net, or the GO ON magazine. Those are mags from Austria/ Vienna, where the style is documented very well!

FMCS: Do you see yourself more as a painter or as a writer?

I became a painter within the last few years. I still write, but the focus has shifted.

FMCS: Your characters - round and fluffy, or sharp and edgy?

Mostly sharp and edgy. I get this style from painting Graff, where strong outlines and strong forms are necessary to support the painting.

FMCS: Is it important for you that your art is seen in the streets?

I am happy to see my stuff around!

FMCS: What was the strangest comment about your work you’ve received?

I painted two octopuses, one smoking and the other one wasted. (They both were part of a bigger painting).

Later two adults (whatever that is…) showed up and said: “Hey, look! This octopus is brushing teeth and the other one is in love!”

FMCS: Do you think that Hip Hop and Graffiti are inseparable?

No, because the first human beings on earth who left messages about their lives in the form of paintings on the walls of caves (graffiti), or left a mark with the help of sculptures or some land art piece (street art), did not know about hip hop, I imagine!