December 2009: Olivier in Paris

First off, I must say happy birthday to J, my cousin. Congrats on 22 years of life! To celebrate, we go to Paris to hear from Olivier Kosta-Théfaine. This versatile artist works with everything from spray paint to lighters, using the latter to burn intricate patterns onto walls and ceilings. Today, he shares a few photos and words about his experience as an artist. He writes:

"I did my first graffiti in 1988 in Paris's suburbs."
"In the past, I have collaborated with other artists. Today, I work alone."
"I develop my style by observing the city, traveling, and being curious."
"I like enclosed places, those who are not necessarily accessible by the greatest number of people. I paint in the tunnels of Paris, in old factories from the Socialist era in Berlin, and in hamlets abandoned in southern France."
"I love going to abandoned places to paint. It makes me feel like there is a treasure waiting to be discovered. It feels very strange, a sort of attraction and repulsion. Rediscovering a place that nobody seems have visited over the years is a strange feeling. The most formidable location is certainly an adventure!

Merci, Olivier! For more photos and news, take a look at his website.