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Bates is considered by many to be one of the best graffiti artist today.
The combination of superior character style and innovative color theme
makes a good recipe for perfection. You can find Bates pieces all around the world.
What's your given name?
I'm not gonna tell ya.
How old are you?
Old enough.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
In Copenhagen, Denmark.
When did you first get in contact with graffiti art?
In 1984 through the Hip Hop culture...i started to dance Electric Boogie
and my eyes catches the graffiti art in the background. I was in my local youth club.
sometimes we went to the Thomas P. Hejle club were the unity of Hip Hop was born.
Here you could meet writers, bboys djs and listen to Hip Hop music and share it with
people from all parts of Copenhagen. Standing on the staircase watching writers brag, flipping black book pages and back pieces rocked with Posca markers.
Try read danish wildstyle graffiti book from 1985!
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As you started out with Graffiti art, tell us about the scene back then, what was it like?
I took the name BATES back in 1986 and worked up the name, massive amount
of hard work! The graffiti scene back then were awesome!
So much energy, good styles and flavours. Sometimes I miss the good old days,
everything was so raw and pure....
i remember the good times at Ryparken, Svanemoellen, Noerrport writers bench
where I sometimes meet cousing Joze, Great, Side, Apache, Scan, Fuse, Sketch,
Shame, Rezen, Jab. Skipping school, doing insides at Klampenborg all the way to Hellerup!
Making homemade markers, cutting your first fatcap and discover the soft cap for outlines!
What other artists inspire you?
I like Ralph Bakshi, The Pitt comic books, flyer designs..
Comic book artists, designers, amazing artwork, colours..
Any final words?
Peace and respect, Bates.
Thanks for your time
/MindGem
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