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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← Scenes from forgotten places. Pablo Allison brings us images from places most of us are unlikely to ever visit. PA I believe so, for instance in Central America, particularly in places like Nicaragua and Honduras in my experience there was some access to better quality paint and cans but expensive of course. El Salvador has a much more developed scene and cans are relatively easier to get. Same applies for Mexico where a huge industry has been developed for all the graffiti needs. There are, however, very violent cities in Mexico like Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa or Ciudad Victoria, to name a few where I would dare to say that no graffiti exists, therefor, the access to tools is much harder. MC What kind of response or civil intervention do you get from people or the locals that are non-fleeing illegal migrants when you paint walls or freights with these messages in poor and violent areas? PA The reaction from a non-graffiti audience has gone beyond my expectations. People are more aware of graffiti as an agent for change. The general public has slightly shifted its perception on this art form, whether that be a good or a bad thing I don’t know. I do feel however that people still have a very biased opinion on what they approve and what they don’t approve of, which is fine by me. That said, I do wish for people to read simple words and feel connected or show some sort of empathy regarding matters that mean something to us all. In Jordan and Iraq, I mainly painted with crappy cans but some good paint is available at quite inaccessible prices. The Middle East region is a very interesting one for history but also for graffiti. MC What is your favourite Montana Can and cap combination and why? PA Montana BLACK as it’s the one that stands out the most. 74 Artist in focus/Interview Pablo Allison
In a world being separated ever more every day by the notion of the haves and the have not’s, artists like Pablo Allison play a strong role in the shaping of social opinions regarding the topic of migration. With one The reaction from a non-graffiti audience has gone beyond my expectations. People are more aware of graffiti as an agent for change. The general public has slightly shifted its perception on this art form, whether that be a good or a bad thing I don’t know. hand on the nozzle of a spray can and the other on the trigger of his camera, Allison’s work is bound to have more social relevance as the knowledge of its existence grows. We look forward to seeing which countries it takes him to next and pray that he always manages to return home safely. ↓ Man and nature. In Mexico the two merge in a unique way in the absence of abundance. ↗ “DEMOCRACY”. Depicted in a light here that is probably closest to its actual state of reality. → Allison showing he definitely comes from a graffiti background where hand style still has its place. Artist in focus/Interview Pablo Allison 75
