European graffiti legend Mode 2 Juxtapoz Magazine - Exclusive Interview with Mode 2 Part I | Features

Exclusive Interview with Mode 2 Part I

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

European graffiti legend Mode 2 (Juxtapoz cover #77) is known for his erotic imagery that teases, shocks, and tempts in more ways than one. Mode 2 has changed the face of street art and graffiti through years of hard work and dedication. His latest show, Reality, Fantasy, and The Web, is now on display at Lazarides Newcastle. Learn more about this bold artist in a revealing interview. [Caution: the following interview contains mature imagery that may not be safe for work or young eyes.] Chris Osburn: How did you first get involved in graffiti? What drew you to it? Mode 2: I first took notice of graffiti in the opening title sequence of the American sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter", then after that in the "Buffalo Gals" video, where Dondi was outlining a piece with the track name. I had always liked to draw, and also to write; having done stuff like making tiny little books from cut up school text books, then copying in text from somewhere else with a ballpoint pen, as small as I could. I also liked illuminated letters found in old books from monasteries, as well as the lettering used in 60s and 70s record sleeve graphics, going right back to Alphonse Mucha advertising posters from the late 19th and early 20th century. So, along with the drawing that I was always into, lettering was also definitely present.