Graff writers are a special breed.
They’re ballsy as hell, have an important message to get out, and will do whatever it takes to get their art seen by as many eyes as possible. Such is the case of Philadelphia native and art renaissance man, Mikey Madnez – aka Seus. A professional lighting designer who has worked Philly clubs and venues for years, Seus is no stranger to the spray can. In fact, he’s been writing in Philly for almost 15 years, bombing everything in sight, from freights to billboards, as well doing murals and other side projects, including a piece for PETA and The Roots. I could keep going, but let’s get right into the interview.
How long have you been an artist?
Since the dawn of time, since the conception of life.
What mediums do you use?
Mostly spray paint, but I experiment with metal, lighting, trash, wood, consumer packaging materials.
What is the best thing about Philly art/artists today?
Mural arts.
The worst?
Mural arts.
Where do you fit in?
Everywhere but the electric chair.
How do you envision the artistic community in Philly evolving in the next 10 years?
Like New York, but worse. Lots of wheat-paste movie posters, foreign graffiti writers, out-of-work actors, and expensive rents. But I only hope to be a part of the success of this city - but if not I got plans. I love Philly, but alot of things have changed…especially with the arts. There isn’t that sort of magical freedom, living symbiotically with a sensual decent for the system…and yet we go on.
Who is your favorite artist of all time, and why?
That’s a hard question to answer…so I’ll just say any artist whose work evokes any kind of emotional feeling, or not.
People write graffiti for different reasons; do you think writers that try to make a social/political impact with their art effect any significant changes in society at large?
Not in the city, but pretty much everywhere else. But I must say there is a shimmer of hope.
What is your main motivation to write?
Fuck everything. Destroydestroydestroydestroydestroy…but when I do my art, I love everything - createcreatecreatecreatecreate.
If you could make the laws on graffiti, what would they be (enforcement, legalization, modification of current laws)?
Yeah, no jail time. Let the trains run. You get caught, you buff all your shit and start over. That would be interesting.
If you could bomb anything, anywhere what would your dream spot be to hit up?
The moon, so you could see it from earth.
How do you feel about young kids writing today that don’t have much knowledge about the history and impact of graffiti?
Yeah I just got one thing to say, “STOP TRYIN TO BE THUGS!!!!!!”
What city’s got the best graff scene today, in terms of writers?
Cali. NYC always. Europe. I love Philly the best though. I think a dope Philly hand is better than a dope piece anywhere.
What’s your position on racking cans?
Do it but don’t get caught. Don’t be stupid. There are other ways of get free paint besides the tryed-and-true backpack coat rack. Be creative, and don’t get caught!
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October 8th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
Oh and I forgot to mention that Seus did all the featured artwork in the recent Prince Music Theater production, From Tha Hip. The play was ridiculous by the way, and Seus killed it as usual with that classic, vicious hand style!
October 10th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
This interview is so on point! Mikey is crazy talented…and his work always amazes me
October 23rd, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Madnez - you are the man!!!
October 25th, 2006 at 8:39 am
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