Montana LOOKBOOK #08 / 2023

An Interview with SATR

An Interview with SATR Montana Cans How has graffiti and graffiti-inspired mural art changed from its beginnings in China till now? SATR This is a good question. I have discussed this with my friend Kish (he is a senior graffiti writer in China), and we both think that the change of graffiti is closely related to the access of information. Before 2004, when the internet was not verty widespread, writers would imitate other graffiti artists, and some would spontaneously add Chinese elements to their graffiti. Then during the period of 2004-2008, when the internet became popular and more accessible, China also had its own graffiti forums. Before 2004, when the internet was not verty widespread, writers would imitate other graffiti artists, and some would spontaneously add Chinese elements to their graffiti. Chinese graffiti was very diverse: some people stuck to the old school style, some people painted Chinese-style graffiti according to their own understanding. At that time, because there was no systematic way to learn graffiti, everyone’s style had a half-baked understanding of graffiti culture, and incorporated a lot of their own unique interpretations. Later, the graffiti competition “Wall War” brought those foreign predecessors to China, such as Cantwo and Zebster. They showed everyone the necessity of having a solid foundation in the old school style. So from 2010 onwards, it became a path of pursuing the old school style. From 2011 to 2014, the trends in China were painting large-scale and complete works. 2016 was also a new turning point, when everyone started to use different social media platforms. The graffiti festivals across the country began to explode, and it became an era of many art festivals and graffiti jams, until the outbreak of the pandemic in 2019. MC Is there an active illegal graffiti writing scene in China? SATR Yes, there is an active illegal graffiti writing scene in China. There are many underground graffiti writers who express themselves through this art form. For example in my city there is the GB crew. They are a team of about 20-30 people who specialize in bombing and throw-ups, active in the early morning streets of Guangzhou. MC What sort of consequences fall if writers get caught in China? There are many underground graffiti writers who express themselves through this art form. For example in my city there is the GB crew. ← Up against the wall, SATR transforms mists of color into blocks of color which later reveal animal forms. Like genies coming out of their bottles. ↓ With a keen sense of form, SATR reaches for her favorite Montana BLACK and GOLD cans to make her murals possible. 56 Interview/Artist in focus Satr

A stunning contrast to her traditional graffiti practice, these felines fade their way into focus. SATR The consequences of getting caught doing graffiti in China depend on the region and the situation. If it is in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing, you might be taken to the police station and questioned about why you are painting there. You might also have to pay a fine, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand yuan. But if it is in some smaller cities or towns, most people don’t care much about graffiti. Even if you are seen by the police or the property owner, they might just tell you to stop and leave. There are usually no serious consequences unless you are painting something that is politically sensitive or offensive. MC Are there areas in China where it is easier or harder to paint, and what is the difference? If it is illegal graffiti, I think Beijing is more difficult, because there are cameras everywhere and it is easy to be tracked down. SATR The difficulty of painting graffiti in China varies depending on the location and the type of graffiti. If it is illegal graffiti, I think Beijing is more difficult, because there are cameras everywhere and it is easy to be tracked down. But in cities like Chengdu or Nanning, people have a more relaxed lifestyle and are more tolerant of graffiti. But if it is mural painting, Shanghai would be a good choice. Because Shanghai is a metropolis, mural or graffiti art is more welcome there. Some of the large-scale graffiti festivals in China are also held in Shanghai. MC Did you get support from your parents or family to paint graffiti or become a muralist? SATR Yes, I have to say that my family gave me a lot of support, especially my mother. She is also a painter, so she understands what art can be like. She also has a tolerant attitude towards my graffiti writing and mural painting. She only reminds me to wear a gas mask to protect myself from the spray paint dust every time I paint. MC What are some of the unique challenges specific to China that graffiti artists from other countries may not be aware of? SATR I think one of the unique challenges that graffiti artists in China face is ‘’Chuangwei’’. Chuangwei is short for Interview/Artist in focus Satr 57