Düsseldorf 1993 Hamburg 1995 1987 Wiesbaden After the release of the CANTWO Icon Series spray can the focus was once again turned on to an artist that has earned his undisputed place in graffiti writing history. As an Oldschool German graffiti writing innovator, CANTWO quickly turned his reputation as a national graffiti writing king into that of an internationally recognized graffiti artist. From his prolific creation of graffiti style writing, graffiti characters, and his iconic CANTWO hand style, to his professional collaborations, design work, apparel designing, and online activities, CANTWO has been at the forefront of so many aspects of contemporary graffiti. Understanding the path that led to CANTWO’s iconic status is a long and intriguing one. The twists and turns in his creative process, the travels, and the global interactions all amounted to the CANTWO we see today. It intrigued us so much so that we decided to spend some time with the artist himself and hear more about the experiences that formed him. Here is what he had to share with us. MONTANA CANS You were born in Mainz- Germany in 1970 and started writing graffiti in 1983. This means you have spent a large portion of your life doing, or being involved in graffiti. How do you feel about being celebrated as an “ICON” in the Montana Cans ICONIC SERIES? CANTWO I feel absolutely honored that Montana puts me in the same category as greats such as FUTURA and MAR- THA COOPER. Bad Kreuznach 1990 I feel absolutely honored that Montana puts me in the same category as greats such as FUTURA and MARTHA COOPER 32 Interview Can two
Neuss 1999 Unna 2001 MC Do you acknowledge or accept (as most of the graffiti world would confirm), that you have become an “ICON” and a reference point over multiple generations in international graffiti culture? How do you feel about this idea? CT It’s always strange when people call me ICON or KING because I never felt that way. I still see myself as a part of a global movement. I’m happy that I have inspired so many other writers around the globe. I was just there at the right time when it all started in Europe. Like so many other kids I was immediately fascinated by the B-Boys and writers we saw on TV. Those were my heroes and icons. But of course, I’m flattered when people see me as their influence or honor me with their “titles”. MC Can you tell us a little about the history of your chosen color “Can2 Cotton Candy” for the ICON can, and what your affiliation is with its development? CT It was a long process to find the right design and the right color. I’m a perfectionist, and creating a design for the iconic series was a big challenge. Montana and I worked closely together and we made a few test prints. The first attempt was to create a blueish design, as there had already been the “Can2 Blue“ within the Montana Writer Team Colors and the „Can2 Cool Candy“ within the Montana GOLD range. But the test prints did not convince me at all. So I had to start from scratch and a classic white design came to my mind. Coloring the character was no option, so I used white, grey, and black instead. I also wanted to give it a royal touch. And what color is more royal than gold. So I decided to play with some golden elements and I used the cross symbol from the old “Irritant-Danger” sign that used to be on all cans. The final name „Can2 Cotton Candy“ was chosen by my wife. MC This touches on your extended involvement with the development of spray paint, and spray paint colors in general over your many years in graffiti culture. Can you give us a little overview of all the different paint types, brands, or colors that you worked with and assisted in the development of? CT You are right, this wasn’t my first involvement. I was part of BOMBER’s Art Agency „Oxygen“ in Frankfurt in the mid-nineties. Besides conveying Graffiti artists to clients for commissioned jobs, we ran a mailorder for Heidelberg 1997 I’m a perfectionist, and creating a design for the iconic series was a big challenge. Montana and I worked closely together and we made a few test prints Interview Can two 33
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LOOKBOOK / EDITION #07 / 2022 WWW.M
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