So German!

How did you know that you want to become a street artist?

It was not really a decision I made actively, it was more something that just happened. I started graffiti when I was younger. In 2006, I read a book called “Art of Rebellion: The World of Street Art” and I discovered street art for the first time. It differs from graffiti. It works with characters and logos and, in my view, you have more possibilities to express yourself and what you feel. After I got the book, I started developing my own two characters and painted them outside. After a while, they became more and more abstract. I actually don’t like to classify myself. I would not even know how to classify myself… maybe somewhere between abstract graffiti and contemporary art.

What drew you to London and then Berlin?

I was born in Aachen which is close to the Dutch border. Growing up in a small village, it was natural for me to start an apprenticeship. While I was doing that, I realized that I didn’t want to do it at all. Rather, I wanted to work as an artist. Everyone always told me that I need to have a “proper” job. Instead, I decided to take a risk and become an artist. Therefore, I moved to London to fully commit myself to my art. I painted a lot in the streets and people started to recognize me, then I started to work for galleries and consequently, London was a very important time for me to share what I do. After two years, I decided to move on to Berlin. Berlin is very attractive to me because it gives me a sense of freedom. You can do whatever you want and people don’t care. I like that people don’t judge you for what you’re doing. Also, it is very diverse and you can meet people from all walks of life there. I feel at home in Berlin.

What kinds of projects do you like to take on and where do you get your inspiration?

I love interior painting, for example painting the lobby in a hotel. I think my work really fits into this environment. At the moment, I am concentrating a lot on canvas and working with galleries. My inspiration comes from everywhere and everything. It is just what I experience in daily life. What inspires me a lot is the feeling of being calm, for example when I am in nature. Reading can be inspiring too.

KEF! in the 2018 Festival of Lights Berlin

What was it like to take part in the Berlin Festival of Lights? Had you done that before?

No, it was the first time for me! It made me very happy that they chose me to do some big projections. It was really interesting, it was a huge work of art.

What ideas were you trying to express in the designs you made for Winterlude?

My art is usually very abstract, but for the first design (please see the top of the page), I integrated the Brandenburger Gate into my style. In the second one, I also tried to include some icy colours to reflect the theme of Winterlude. I stayed abstract with this design so everybody can interpret it differently. I don’t really want people to see something; I want them to feel something.

KEF! for Winterlude 2019

Is all of your art legal?

Yes, nowadays. When I was younger, of course, it was not always legal when I tagged in the streets. I don’t have the time anymore to just go out and paint a wall somewhere. I am really busy right now, so I have to choose very carefully how I spend my time.

What would be a dream project for you and do you have any wise words for us?

It’s just a dream, so I would like to paint a huge wall that is one kilometre long and high. It could be like an anarchy project. Regarding wise words: I think it is very important for people to understand that anything is possible if you really believe in it. If I look at what I did, I had no doubt that I could do what I love to do, I think it is important to remind other people that they shouldn’t have doubts. If we truly believe in the things we want to do, we can do it.

KEF!

KEF! at work.

The Haus Berlin

Photo by Frank Herrmann KEF! at the Berlin Festival of Lights

KEF! at work.

KEF!'s work in Frankfurt

You can also hear the full interview (in 4 parts) here: