Montana LOOKBOOK #08 / 2023

thing you can’t burn, a panel is more valuable than a
wall, and so on. Do any of these play a role in your
painting practice? And if so, which rule(s) and why these
particular rules?
MS
Those rules are also very much written here in Malmö.
And I think you have to respect them. For example, if
someone took a risk by painting a wall on the streets,
you can’t go over it even if you have permission. You can
adapt it to your work or ignore it, but who wants to see
legal graff everywhere they go?
MC
Do you see what you do as part of traditional graffiti?
MS
Yeah! I will never let go of it, because I love it, and
style-wise, I think it’s the most direct way to appear
visually.
MC
Often you incorporate phrases and images in a concept.
What comes first, the image element, or the words and
phrases element?
MS
Mostly the idea comes first, then how to do it as clearly
as possible. Some paintings don’t need a phrase and
some paintings don’t need an image. It’s always fun
when the receiver can understand without being too
obvious.
MC
When was the last time you were “wowed” by somebody
else’s work? Who was it and what is it that inspired you?
MS
That depends on whether it is Letter based or image-based.
I like Superspray´s productions because
they are playful and very well done, and Imonboy´s
graff-related paintings make me laugh. Ernestillm is
also totally amazing, although his paintings are too
good for me to relate to, style-wise that is.
MC
If you could go to one concert to see your favorite
music, what would it be?
MS
Masumi Hara playing ”Just like an Angel” would be
overwhelming!
MC
What is your favorite Montana can and cap combination?
MS
I like ”Beast” and its magic coverage although it’s
almost fluorescent. But ”Nappies” is probably my
favorite. The standard cap (black with a white dot) is
amazing because you can make perfect lines with
almost no precision. But if I had to choose one, it would
be the original black cap with the orange dot on the can.
I can do everything I want with it.
Steering graffiti in a new direction
Paths that remind us to not take
things too seriously and to take our
messages to the masses, not just
to graffiti writers.
It is clear to say that artists like Max Solca play an important role in steering modern-day graffiti down new paths.
Paths that remind us to not take things too seriously and to take our messages to the masses, not just to graffiti
writers. However, paths that are as equally driven by the pursuit of the perfect piece(s), or at least very much in line
with the knowledge of graffiti aesthetics. And for those that like the old paths of tradition, pure letter forms, and
elevation through competition, the undeniable humor in Solca’s work can potentially inspire words of acclaim
rather than words driven by the fear of being burned. Regardless of the viewpoint, Max Solca ticks so many of the
creative boxes that it is not possible to see his work without noticing it. We look forward to seeing which direction
he takes it and which clever takes on the English language he manages to conjure up next. Or any other language
for that matter.
Artist in focus/Interview Max solca
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