Interview with Majo Bros

By way of introduction, would you like to tell us a few words about yourself? What is your name? Where are you from and what do you do?
Marc Hennig, I live and work in Düsseldorf. I've been an active part of the graffiti scene since 1986.

To what extent does your work for "out there" differ from your work for galleries and other indoor spaces?
There is a difference between illegal and legal work. With the former, you always try to get the most attention in the shortest possible time. With legal or commissioned work, the process, the communication with the residents and changing something that already exists is the exciting thing.

What motivates you to create art in urban spaces and exhibit your works in public spaces?
This means that everyone can afford it, it comes to the viewer whether they want it or not. It's basically the same principle that advertising uses. Another important part is participation. Being part of something and helping to shape it, longing to take on a kind of responsibility.

Art in urban spaces is transient and often only visible for a short time. How does that appeal to you?
The perpetual process, an exciting thing.

In street/urban art exhibitions, it is often important for artists to successfully transfer the feeling of the street into a closed gallery space. In your opinion, is this absolutely necessary?
The point is important, but not achievable and not absolutely necessary for the work.

Your art is unmistakably influenced by urban city life. What fascinates you about the typical cityscape and its scenarios that you pick up on this in your art?
The exciting thing is the challenge and the ever-changing formats. DIN and A formats, on the other hand, have little appeal.

Many artists work with a pseudonym instead of their real name. What does your chosen name mean to you?
Which pseudonym do you mean? Basically, they are different characters and in the end it's always about freedom.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
From my surroundings and, of course, from the young people who are still mostly free.

What makes a perfect location for your works in the city? How important is the interplay of surroundings and motif for you?
One that I haven't been to yet, but in the end every place has its own special charm.

One last question about your work: What do you want your art to evoke in the viewer?
A feeling.

What do you associate with Düsseldorf?
A big part of my life and yuppies.

Are there other artists or people (whether urban art, music, architecture, Köbes, ...) from Düsseldorf who have influenced you?
Yes of course; Gawky.

Are there any other places in Düsseldorf that you should definitely visit?
You shouldn't have missed Kiefernstraße.

Is there anything else you'd like to get off your chest?
To quote Public Enemy again at this point: DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE.

Thank you for taking the time!

Your Instagram: @majobrothers
Your website: http://majobrothers.de/

This article is funded by REACT-EU.