MASKER - interview
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1. Please, introduce yourself and tell us a few words about yourself.

I was born in Prague. I use the nick Masker. I like to paint; I don’t know what to say, really... I enjoy other things too.

2. You began as a graffiti writer and you currently study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague; probably because you focus on figure painting motifs. You also paint on walls but canvases have prevailed in your work lately. What’s the difference between painting on walls and on canvas?

For me, the major difference is the scale and a little bit different approach to painting itself. I don’t really pay that much attention to detail when I do walls and I also use more simple or simplified kind of painting. When painting on canvas I use more sophisticated ways of working with colours and I also use more details on figures as well as in their surroundings. Both are unique but in fact the walls are a lot more vivid than the majority of paintings. I think this is also influenced by the fact that I paint walls very fast, even if it’s prearranged. Naturally, what works on the wall may not and does not work in painting.

3. You are involved in both the young fine art scene as well as the street art and graffiti scene. What is the major difference between the two groups that you have noticed?

The first group has a better general knowledge of art, they are also interested in things that the graff community doesn’t care about. Sometimes they consider graffiti as a sort of mischief or a second rate art. I agree with that to a certain point. On the other hand, there is not so much fun with these guys. They are less determined to do anything and have a lower improvisation level. However, there are exceptions in both groups. Those guys have a different approach that I appreciate or admire and that’s why I am interested in contact with both groups.

4. You have just come back from a several month stay in N.Y.C. This is where it all started and where a lot of things are still happening. What impact did the local environment have on you?

I was experiencing a mixture of strong feelings of joy, admiration, and enthusiasm from the splendour and energy, but I also experienced equally strong negative feelings. I don’t know, as a tourist just hanging around, I was there for too long but to do something significant and continue in doing it or leave a trace, I was there for too short. N.Y.C. is huge and you must be seen if you want to be taken seriously. N.Y.C. has something for everybody that is certainly true. I would like to go back soon and continue working on it.

5. Which place in the world would you choose to live in if you couldn’t live in Prague and why?

I really would like a place where people behave and communicate like in London, prices are the same as in New York, the size of my flat is the same as in Prague but people play baseball a lot more and one can paint like in Barcelona several years ago. All cities have their pluses and minuses, you just need to know the ropes, earn enough money and have enough free time and freedom for yourself.



Links:
http://www.masker1.com