Hello My Name Is: Apes

Name: Apes
Crew: HDA, NOT, FOES, DOSIS & GUAPOS
City/Country: Barcelona, Spain
When did you start writing? 1997

What’s graffiti for you?
A mystery and ephemeral

Influences?
Mostly my crew guys, Barcelona classics and NY old school graffiti.

Tell us about your city, how is life and graffiti there?
It’s a strange place in the south of Europe, with a lot of tourist, sometimes too many, and also a lot of graffiti with very many points of view of it.

What keeps you still writing?
I’m not very sure about that… I always expected not to paint anymore with my age when I was younger. Sometimes I feel it’s like a drug, sometimes new ideas in my mind make me do it.

What first made you interested in graffiti and how did you end up on that track?
I used to live in a hood fully covered, and I also liked to draw a lot at home… I guess it was a natural step to do. I remember I was very impressed by the highlights and the flares.

What trends are you seeing now in the graffiti world that you don’t like?
I don’t actually care what the others do.

What do you do when you’re not painting?
Trying to survive.

How would you describe your style?
I like to do different things and give different shapes to my letters. I would describe it as a permanent evolution.

Can you remember the first piece you did?
Yes perfectly. I did chrome fill in and chrome outlines…

Future plans?
Traveling.

Do you adapt your pieces and tags to the spot/surface?
I have no other choice!

What do you think about the new generation of writers in your city?
Very talented in general.

What are the best and worst aspects of graffiti?
The best is when you can share, and the worst is when you get taken away.

Who do you paint for?
For everyone, included myself.

What writers have inspired you?
It’s a very long list, but I would like to highlight one name: Tvrbo (HDA)

Can you ever feel tired of graffiti?
Not really.

What do you hope people will think and feel when they see your stuff?
That they remember the name!

FIVE FAVORITES
Spray Paint: Montana Colors
City: Barcelona
Markers/pens: Uni and corrector pens
Surface: all of them
Cap: Fat Pink!

Instagram: @Apeshda