Tearing apart magazines, comics and newspapers to create a new whole, has been Barbone’s biggest passion as far as he can remember. Even though he has always been quite weary of galleries, this time he hasn’t seem to mind our walls to show his latest creations.

We interviewed Alexander in order to find out what it is that makes his work so special.

Comic Collage 26,5 x 34 cm, 2008.

Who is Alexander Clouchard Barbone?

In the winter of 2001 I met a guy in the streets of Rome who told me about his trips to many different places. At some point, I asked him what the italian word for bum was, “Barbone” he answered. Maybe what I asked  was the french word for it, I can’t remember now, but I think he gave me the name Barbone. Clouchard came later, It felt like they could fit together.

Where do you live at the moment?

Right now in Barcelona. I came here in september, or beginning of October 2010. I live right next to the Zoo, and even though I hate Zoo’s, I have to say there is some fantastic sounds coming from it.

At what point did you become interested in art?

Before knowing that what I was doing was art, and that some day I would be an artist, I already knew that what I was doing was what I wanted to do. As a child I really hated school, even art classes because being forced to do something you don’t like sucks. I hated it.

Some memories are coming back… I can remember now, even before hearing about artists, I used to cut out pictures of famous hollywood movie stars, they influenced me a lot, and glue them in my folders. I really enjoyed this back then, I loved it. I also used to collect comics, magazines, etc.

I had never seen a collage before the ex ex of my sister once showed me one he made himself. I was amazed, techno party inspired. This is how I started, that it would one day be my profession I couldn’t imagine back then. I am really thank full to him, and I still keep that collage somewhere.

Comic Collage 26,5 x 34 cm, 2008.

Tell me an artist that has captured your imagination.

Many. Once I went to MOMA in San Francisco and saw artworks of Romare Bearden, he is just amazing. Ruscha Rauschenberg, Warhol. I like Picasso too, and I know that’s exactly what everyone would expect me to say, but It’s true. Giger, Dali, Van Gogh, Michel Angelo and Dada. The whole world is like a collage to me, a big freaky puzzle. Frank Lloyd Wright and many many street artists.

What inspires you to work?

Many things and nothing. I get inspiration from things I find outside garbage cans. I close my eyes and feel like starting a new project.

What type of music do you listen to?

Music is very important to me. I like it all, but I still get a vibe from Electronica. Music is art itself right? without it….wow.

How do you choose the material you are going to use for your collages?

Somehow it gets more and more difficult to find the right pictures when you are getting closer to finishing a project.

Comic Collage 26,5 x 34 cm, 2008.

What is your favorite comic character?

Batman and Akira. America is influencing the rest of the world like a virus. Superheroes are their answer to all the problems, kinda like religion I guess.

Are you able to earn a living from your art?

I’m used to getting some cash from it, but I’m still not so sure, could I?

Do you have any future projects?

Not right now… I used to, I have to, I need to I think. I hope so, I guess.

Anything you want to say to end this interview?

Everything I say, someone has said before me. You may call them artists or we may have to find a complete different word for what they do.

“I am not an artist” says in a button I found not long ago, and it was me who found it.

Comic Collage 62,3 x 83 cm, 2008.

West Berlin Gallery is glad to feature some of Alexander Clouchard Barbone‘s works. Come and see them in our online shop!

This french artist’s principal hobby is sticking hand-made placards into the streets of any city he visits, spreading his words as an antidepressive medicine for its inhabitants. It is imposible to walk the streets of Berlin, where he’s lived since 1995, without noticing his “Vive la bourgeoisie” placards or that well known “I don’t wanna be u’re friend on face-book”, which has already become a classic.

SP38 paints his provocative texts, one by one, making each of the pieces unique.

"Way Of Life"

Could you describe some of your early influences and what led you to become an artist?

Andy Warhol & the pop art, T.V, “ la vie Parisienne des années 80″, graffiti , J. Dubuffet and M.Jackson … my laziness and a love story (the end of it).

How would you briefly describe your work to someone who’s never seen it before?

I’ll invite him to have a look on www.sp38.com

What materials do you usually work with? and what’s your favorite technique?

Paper, acrylic & glue. Hand made (but more & more silk screen).

When did you start putting your work into the streets?

In the 90’s in Paris.

How do you decide where to stick your posters?

After a ride on my bike…

What happens to your work after you’ve installed it?

Sometimes it stays, sometimes it disappears (either by time passing by or pulled off for decorating a living room. It gets covered most of the time) sometimes people add some comments to it, drawings… like a book. I like it when some interference happens.

"Enjoy Quality" Silkscreen and Paint on Paper, 2011. Photo by Didier Laget.

Have you had any interesting episodes while putting your work out on the street?

Yes, a lot … In Yaoundé once , someone asked me if I planned on selling rabbits…

Your art has been described as urban poetry. It is definitely message-based, maybe political as well?

I like the urban poetry connotation. I think it’s more of a reflexion, like some kind of spontaneous philosophy.

Being at the same time an activist to a certain extent and being aware of consumerism, have you, or would you feel inner conflict when taking on projects for big companies?

It depends on which companies.

Do you feel that your work loses or gains at all in impact, when it’s brought into a gallery?

“Art must be outside “ reads my last work and it’s painted inside the gallery. Is that answer good enough?

"Art Must Be Outside" Silkscreen and paint on paper, 2011.

Why do you think street art appeals to art collectors?

Money, nothing but money. The market needs new products and urbanity is in at the moment, “in the wind “.

I am curious to know how you combine being head of a family with your street art activism.

Is it incompatible for you ? I’m the slave of the family.

Have you ever explained what you do to your kid?

Not yet. I have 1 (wonderful) daughter. She likes street art and vernissages. She did her 1st performance in Tel Aviv & her 1st live painting in Paris.

And soon, I’ll need someone helping me carry my glue …

Thank’s for your time.

Thank you too.

Follow the golden rabbit to see more of SP38‘s works in our online shop.

"French Electric Chair" Silkscreen and Paint on Paper, 2011.

]]> http://www.westberlingallery.com/featured-artist-sp38-2/feed/ 0 http://www.westberlingallery.com/featured-artist-mein-lieber-prost/ http://www.westberlingallery.com/featured-artist-mein-lieber-prost/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:32 +0000 Guillaume http://www.westberlingallery.com/?p=2574 Prost is without any doubt the king of amusement among street artists.

Since he’s moved to Berlin, there has been no wall left without his smiling characters, and those witty social commentaries that always put a smile upon our faces. Moreover, the capital’s advertisings got to know street art’s consequences too. No more misleading, abusive, sexist advertising left unpunished in Berlin.

Even though public space is where this artist’s work has the greatest strength and subvertising the activity with the biggest social impact, Prost has been able to adapt perfectly his work to gallery walls. Even indoors, he managed to keep making parodies of corporates by manipulating brand labels and reminding the generally stressed-out public to smile with his “Prostie” faces.

Learn more about Prost while reading the interview below.

Hi Prost, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi readers, this is Prost.

At what time have you become interested in art?

I’ve been interested in art since I was 5. I had then my first contact with houses walls and motor oil on my fingers.

Most of Berliners know you because of the huge amount of Smiley characters you distribute all over the city. How did  “Prostie” come about?

Well, it all started with a selfpotrait.

Apart from this practice, you have also earned a reputation for Subvertising. What do you enjoy the most about it?

What do I enjoy about it? I enjoy changing their meaning and giving them a different perspective . I mostly enjoy the freedom to refuse. And obviously the most amusing side of it all, is doing it.

Do you keep track of the reactions your street art provokes on the viewers?

I don’t think there is any reaction… maybe TV’s are too loud…

"Zombie" Subvertising.

Have you ever have trouble with the justice?

Who’s not ?

When did you first exhibit indoors? and what led you to do it?

It was sometime in 2000, I just wanted to push myself with organizing an exhibition. No real reason for doing it…….I just do what I like and I like what I do. Still now and will always do.

Your work covers a wide range of techniques with completely different looks. From one-line studio drawings to label collages, amusing smily characters and subvertising. Do you see it as completely different works, or is it all part of the same discourse?

What you see is just some part of me. All of what’s come out (and the things that are still coming out) are the result of my happiness, my courage, my rage, my fantasies or my disappointment.  Talking about technique….all great artists are great NOT for their technique, but for their passion.

Do you think your art loses anything by being in a gallery rather than on the street?

No, I dont think so. Sometimes exhibiting in a gallery gives me the possibillity to reach those people to whom my teasing is directed to.

"Yuppies anpupsen" Mixed media on paper, 23,5 x 32,5 cm.

Given that street art initially belonged to countercultural movements, what are your thoughts about these artists who now do commissioned work for major corporations?

They can do what they want. They are grown up, so they should know what they are doing.

Have you or would you accept working for one?

It’s a matter of WHICH one ? are they cool?…like Justin Bieber-cool or are they Chuck Norris-cool..? :D  Are they using sweatshops in the name of  coolness or are they taking advantage of the hype? maybe they are in the top list of ” Das Neue schwarzbuch markenfirmen” ?  What I mean by this, is that I do some research before all goes too far, and then I take the risk.

Do you believe street art should be political?

It doesn’t have to be political, it doesn’t even have to be pretty. It doesn’t have to be funny, It doesn’t have to be big and colorful. It just has to be you, the real you.

"U're Pissing Me" Collage.

If you are now curious to see more of  Prost’s work, visit our online shop or visit our exhibition Beyond Good and Evil before it gets too late!

Most Berliners already know “Linda’s Ex”, the boy who asked his lover to come back to him in plastered posters and stickers throughout the city. Today, we are interviewing Roland Brückner, the illustrator we owe it.

His artistic career started when forced by an accident, Roland broke his leg and had to park his skateboard for a while. As a result of being stuck indoors, he started drawing, and hasn’t stopped ever since. Born in Munich in 1983, he decided to leave southern Germany in 2003 and came to live in Berlin, where he started his Street-Art-Campaign Linda’s Ex. Although this ruined his day-night cycle, it also led him to make an exhibition in the Museum für Kommunikation in Berlin.

Nowadays Roland spends most of his time working as an illustrator, handing out the best of the stories with that personal way of twisting the lines.

"Take my hand" xerox on walls, 2009.

Hi Roland. First of all, could you describe a little bit of your background?

I come from the edge of the Alps in southern Germany. I do hardly have an artistic background, my father is a pharmacist, my mother a french teacher. I did graffiti when I was young.

You didn’t finish your studies, why? what’s your opinion about art school?

There just wasn’t enough time for both work and studies. I do not think you can learn art, all you can learn is to wait a few years. And you get to know nice people.

What inspires you to work?

My everyday life. I look at people and try to understand what they see and mirror it on paper later. That, plus trying to explain what I don’t understand.

I would say your illustrations have a sketchy style, but nonetheless, a very detailed and careful use of the line. What materials do you usually work with?

Wacom or ballpen. Sadly I don’t have enough room for more. I would love to work with acrylics on canvas, but I just can’t at the moment.

You are well known in Berlin for your Street art. Was moving here what led you to put your works into the streets?

Yes. I wanted to go writing, but with a concept. In 2003 the word “streetart” didn’t exist and a bunch of people came up with the idea of hanging posters. I tried to give it a story and play with the audience.

"The no said yes", acrylic and paint on concrete, 2009.

And it certainly worked. I’m sure a lot of people wondered if Linda’s Ex and Roland Brückner wee the same person. What I’m asking is, is there anything autobiographic in your street art character?

No way. I never had my heart broken and always thought it was funny to laugh about people whose biggest problems lay in the past. Seeing a girl cry for the story made me think that maybe it’s not only funny after all.

Now you are more focused onto illustration. Could you describe your current work as an illustrator, and how does this relate, if it does, to your street art experience?

I try to get the first draft to be the final one. And I am used to do rather a lot than one or two perfect pieces. Posters get torn down, magazines get thrown away. What counts for me is the idea behind the illustration and the feeling it leaves in the recipient.

Do you still put up your pieces in public space?

Sadly no. I change diapers at night (Roland has two baby kids).

Since 2007, you have been regularly publishing Mumpelmonster, a children’s book which is free. How did you come up with that idea ?

Same thing as with Linda. The more people see things, the bigger the impact. And I did not want to have a publisher, telling me to do more normal stories.

"Friday in Your Office" pencil on brick with plaster & laquer, 2011.

If you had to choose only one way of showing your art, what would that be? streets, galleries or publications?

Tattoos on people’s foreheads.

Anything that moves your thoughts right now?

I can’t find the right words: A close friend died.

We are sorry for your loss. Thank you for your time.

A few of the latest Linda’s ex’s artworks are available in our online shop.

The iconography in his works is borrowed from fanzines, daily newspapers, punk graphics and album covers of the 1970s and 1980s. The mind immediately races to Andy Warhol’s silkscreens and Pop Art, but it is only a superficial evocation, because Spazio goes well beyond, making his own the practice of incursion, using information and images from the media to propose them with an ironic and desecrating, cynical and subversive intention. By manipulating images, the artist carries out a critique on information, denouncing its presumed truthfulness.

Giacomo was born in 1957 in Italy. Although his artistic career started with performances, in 1975 he started painting and became one of the first street artists in Italy. He now lives in Milan, where he is part of the collective that has created the “Limited No Art Gallery”, an independent art gallery launched  in 2006 to promote art, without prejudice.

His new solo show “Pop Life” opens tonight in Milan at the Don Gallery ; Giacomo will also take part into “Beyond Good & Evil” the group show we will present next week.

We asked the artist about his recent creations, to understand that DIY (Do It Yourself) attitude and how the lo-fi style of the photocopy can be elevated to the status of Artwork.

YOU NEED ME, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010, SOLD

Hi Giacomo.  When you were young, have you ever thought that when you’d be 53 years old, you would still do art and open a gallery?

Hi!

I think that when you are young, it is very hard to think that one day you will be an artist. Especially if you come from a working class family like me. Personally, I never asked myself this question. To create “my things” was the only way to avoid working in a factory all my life.

You were already evolving in art in the 70′s and the 80′s.  What is the main difference between those times and now?

To tell the truth, the only real difference is the following:

Rich people in the 70′s gave money to create and this was surely a gift from the Freaks/Hippies culture. In the 80′s, the Punk movement gathered very different kind of people, united by the “No Future!” claim. In the opposite, today everything goes faster!

But to create your own culture, you need a lot of time and this is always the same, at every period of time.

Do you miss that, these years?

No! For me the past is the past! When I think about it I smile, because I have been lucky and I’ve become the person I am now. A man. A man who loves everything that surrounds him. A man who likes present!

Today, do you have a model or an idol in art?

Personally I have no model from whom I take my inspiration. But I am very ecstatic of the quantity of really good artists who live in my time… And it is at this exact moment that I become very little and like an ant I try to work hard to get results which talk for me, without copying anyone.

When you work on a piece, how do you feel?

I am always happy, even when I deal with sad themes. If I am sad, I just want to be left alone.

I AM NOT A NUMBER 2010 – Mixed Media on Canvas.

What kind of music do you listen to when you are “working”?

First of all the music must be very loud, almost deafening. I listen to all kind of music from Daft Punk to Polygon Window via Pole and from Tubelord to Heptones via Tikiman. I go crazy for music and almost all of my works have a link with it!

You use a lot of techniques in your creations. Do you have a favorite one? Why?

I prefer serigraphy (silkscreen), because I like the idea of repetition. But every piece is unique. The main subject is the same, but I change the language, the color, and everything that isn’t part of the image in the foreground.  But sometimes, even the main subject is different.

You also use a lot of different colors. What do they represent for you?

The only way to be really unique! Colors I use are most of the time my own colors I create! For exampl the base color is made of silicon, white steel, silver and white pearl.

If you were a dictionary, what would be the definition of Art?

No mater how, but express yourself with all the means necessary. (DIY)

Your are an artist but you also opened a gallery in Milan which is called  “Limited No Art Gallery” , how do you feel being on the “other side”?

I didn’t open an art gallery but my studio became a place for exhibitions where I try to put in contact creative persons, curious ones and collectors, showing them what I personally think to be unique, interesting and beautiful. Sometimes, I had to be a curator because some people asked me to be a curator. It is a work that I respect a lot and by making it I have learnt that like dishonest curator, it also exists dishonest artists!

How do you select the artists who make exhibitions in the Limited No Art Gallery?

Usually, I organize exhibitions of artists I personally know and whose work I admire. Sometimes, I give the exhibition space for free.

Do you have children? Are they artists too?

I have two sons and they are creative like all the young people in the world. By now, they are both interested in music. The first one is 20 years old, he plays bass and sings. The second one is 17 years old and he plays drums.

What kind of job would you have done if you were not an artist?

When I was 13 years old I wanted to be a poet and maybe it is the reason why there are always letters, lyrics and/or small sentences in my works.

Tell me the very last word of this interview!

ANARTCHIST!  (I invented this word and it means I’m an anarchy artist to explain exactly what I am)

Thank you very much for this interview Giacomo!

Super!

Available artworks