Hello My Name Is: Akume

Name: Akume 
Crew: TNS 
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
When did you start writing? 
I think I rocked my first piece in 2004, did what I could here and there probably didn’t get stuck in till 2006 even then it was on and off.

What’s graffiti for you?
Graffiti for me is an escape from the standard day to day life throws your way and always a good excuse to catch up with the boys. (And girls) Leaving something when you walk way that you may consider old and done, but the next person will see it as new and fresh.

Influences? 
I could say a number of things that influence me, but one that always gets me is that some of the older boys in the crew, a few being twice my age. Even though there life is filled with family, work and life commitments. They can still get out and paint and have laugh. (And maybe get up to some mischief along the way)

Tell us about your city, how is life and graffiti there?
Life here in Sydney ain’t too shabby, I mean.. I’m not complaining. Add graffiti into the mix and you’re onto a winner. Lots of style writers, lots of bombers. Sydney has it all, from the good the bad and the ugly. Beef here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary.

What keeps you still writing? 
Well you can always do better then your last, chasing the next colour scheme, chasing a new spot for your name to be applied to. Travel the world, meet new people and understand there way of life. Really the answers are endless!

What first made you interested in graffiti and how did you end up on that track?
I stumbled upon a website in class. Yea.. a website. I’m a youngen, we had the luxury of computers. 156 all stars website to be exact, they opened my eyes to a whole new world.. GRAFFITI! Since then it’s really the one thing in my life I have been consistent with.

What trends are you seeing now in the graffiti world that you don’t like?
Bubble writing.. I’m not a fan of the quick throw style pieces. I get it, in some situations it’s required. But surly more effort can be put in to get letters in proportion with a little style and flow. They end up just all looking the same. Different writers, same pieces.

What do you do when you’re not painting?
When I’m not painting I’m either hanging out with the homies talking about painting and sketching. Having a beer, enjoying life.. not being a sour puss about what the next man is saying over the internet. Getting on with it.

How would you describe your style?
My style.. well, I feel as I have always been inspired by styles New York has produced over the years. Semi wild style in some areas with a hint of the euro flow I like to just let it flow as I go and see where it takes me.

Can you remember the first piece you did?
Yeah for sure, was middle of the day with another school mate. We hopped onto the lines just off the station and sprayed away.. wasn’t long till we heard the horn of the next train and were followed home by the boys in blue.

Future plans?
I guess keep travelling the globe and getting my name in as many countries as I can. See where it takes me!

Do you adapt your pieces and tags to the spot/surface?
Yeah for sure. Depending on time and the space I have to work with.  I’m just as happy to rock a quick 3 colour joint on a rough surface as I am to unleash 30 on a planned chilled out spot.

What do you think about the new generation of writers in your city?
I feel like they care to much about what the older artists care about. Be respectful of course. Don’t take graffiti away from graffiti. But do your own thing. If I could say anything to the newer generation. It’s that to think outside the box..

What are the best and worst aspects of graffiti?
Always a big fan of discovering new colour schemes. When you’re sitting there and something just clicks, check your stock and you can make it work. Me.. and I’m sure most other writers hate how you can walk up to your wall a few weeks even days later, and it’s just been destroyed. Tags all in the background..kids, that gets you no where fast..

Who do you paint for?
Myself.. but it is always a good feeling to show ya crew what you’re working on. To the people you look up to give you the unspoken head nod.

What writers have inspired you?
Farrrrk, the list goes on. But the heads that got me hooked on the graffiti scene would have to be Zek (156) Oclock (156). To this day seeing the work of Kemr (VMD, 3A) and Puke (MIA). Every time I see new work about, I am always gobsmacked.

Can you ever feel tired of graffiti?
I wouldn’t say tired of graffiti.. tired from the countless heavy nights before I was meant to be painting is the one thing that can delay me getting colourful.

What do you hope people will think and feel when they see your stuff?
I hope there eyelids peel back and there eyeballs have a few seconds to roll around and take in what they are seeing!

FIVE FAVORITES
Spray Paint: MTN 94
City: New York
Markers/pens: Always been a fan of Solids!
Surface: Fresh untouched pre fabricated concrete.
Cap: Stock MTN skinny cap!

Instagram: @kingkongy