MontanaCans LOOKBOOK 2023 Issue #8
It's that time again to welcome the release of the Montana Cans Lookbook 2023 edition #8. There is no rewind button on life, making it all the more important to reflect on the year that was, and the things that happened during that period. The Montana-Cans Lookbook does just that and reflects on some of the highlights from the year prior. A moment to reflect on those things that may not have received as much shine as they deserved while being "in the moment".
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MCYou grew up in
MCYou grew up in Barcelona, a destination for many graffitipractitioners with some edgy characteristics. Are thereany things you do now that you can attribute to havinggrown up there?To me, heroes are people who helpthe world to be a much better place,this is not the case if you are just agraffiti writer.LAIAYes, I think that Barcelona has always had a veryavant-garde style thanks to being located “at the gatesof Europe”. As well as receiving thousands of graffitiwriter guests from all over the world.I’ve been doing almost the same since Istarted painting, I like to keep it that way. I’ve alwaysused the same types of forms and elements, and all thiscomes from those golden times in the city. A time whenevery day when we woke up, there were new piecesdone by people from all over the globe. They broughtwith them their different styles and new lots of newinformation. All of that was an inspiration to me.MCDo you have a favorite local graffiti hero?LAIAIn my opinion, there are no heroes in graffiti, only crazypeople who are capable of doing anything. To me,heroes are people who help the world to be a muchbetter place, this is not the case if you are just a graffitiwriter. If you save puppies in bad conditions, heal them,take care of them, love them and look for a happy family,you are a hero to me. But if you paint 20 trains in onenight jumping 30 walls that were all 50 meters high, youare either crazy, courageous, or both.MCHow does Barcelona vary from other Spanish or evenEuropean cities in your experience?LAIABarcelona has the sea, mountains, good weather, greatarchitecture, history, diversity, and a thousand things tovisit and do. It’s a cool city with new things happeningevery day. The people are generally open-minded andeach area is different. Everybody has plans all the timeand as for graffiti, it’s a crazy city. It’s kind of like somekind of amusement park for graffiti writers. However,this is not so good for you if you are a local like us.Outsiders often paint things in an “easy” manner whichmakes spots hot and is sometimes stressful if youarrive after them. But I love it. I know it’s an amazingcity, and for that reason, everyone wants to visit!LAIA switching it up abit. When the railslead to the freights.22 Black Artist Edition/Interview Laia
← Rail duty. LAIA hitsthe line in simple, elegantstyle.MCWe can imagine that you have been asked many questionsabout being a female writer in a male-dominated game.And possibly having those questions asked by males.What’s your position on this? What questions do you thinkare important that female writers should be asked?LAIASome female writers have inspiredme a lot. It has not been because oftheir painting technique, theirletters, or their colors, but by theirstrength, their desire, their impetus,and their trajectory.It’s strange. Sometimes I think I don’t want to answerquestions about “the woman in graffiti” because in thisway we will never have equality. I want to be treated as ifI am a writer, regardless of whether I am male or female.My answer has always been something along the linesof, “to paint you need to use your hands, both womenand men have those”.But other times I feel it is necessary to explainto the world the reality of how this works if you are afemale writer and what many women have had to gothrough. For example, many people believe that everythingis much easier and that there are more opportunitiesif you are female. But mostly, it is the opposite. It isan extensive issue.On the other hand, I like to talk about thesekinds of things because they are necessary. But thereare also women writers giving bad examples within thegraffiti community and taking advantage of their femalefigures. Something that embarrasses the others thatare trying to be taken seriously without consideration ofgender. I think now is the time to work very hard on this,for all parties.MCAre there any female writers of note that were particularlyinspiring or influential to you?LAIASome female writers have inspired me a lot. It has notbeen because of their painting technique, their letters,or their colors, but by their strength, their desire, theirimpetus, and their trajectory. I am more inspired bypeople and their personalities than what they paint.Because sometimes I like what they create, and sometimesI don’t. But they all inspire me equally.MCYour artwork often seems light-hearted, colorful,spontaneous, and with a feeling of positivity. Is thisan accurate interpretation or do act take it veryseriously with lots of preparation and forethought foreach piece?LAIAThere is no preparation, it’s freestyle. It is how it comesout of my head. I like cheerful colors and positiveelements. I live surrounded by them: vintage toys,comics (Hanna-Barbera, Disney, etc.), and all kinds ofcheerful freaks. So my brain already thinks in thisBlack Artist Edition/Interview Laia23
