In the vibrant landscape of graffiti art, few names shine as brightly as Andre HZS. Born in 1988, Andre’s journey into the world of street art began in 2004 with his first foray into tags and graffiti. What started as a youthful exploration soon transformed into a profound passion, leading him to study Graphic Design in Utrecht. However, the call of the streets was too compelling, and Andre soon realized that his true calling lay beyond the confines of conventional design. Seeking deeper understanding and expression, he ventured into the Fine Art department in Arnhem (NL), where his exploration of graffiti’s essence truly began.
Andre’s academic pursuit culminated in a groundbreaking graduation project: “THE TAG.” This series of three full-body-size wooden sculptures encapsulates the fluidity and dynamism of tagging, bridging the gap between graffiti’s ephemeral nature and the permanence of sculpture. Through these works, Andre invites onlookers to perceive graffiti through a new lens, encouraging them to appreciate its movement, beauty, and the novel alphabet it proposes.
At the core of Andre’s graffiti pieces lies a fascination with the balance between readability and illegibility. His work is defined by the context – be it a quick, adrenaline-fueled session in a yard or a tranquil morning at an abandoned locale. Andre challenges himself with time constraints, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with spray paint within 40 or 60 minutes. This process is not just about creation; it’s an introspective journey that allows him to analyze the evolution of his pieces, assessing the fine line between sufficiency and excess.
Collaboration plays a pivotal role in Andre’s artistic development. Working alongside friends and fellow writers, he engages in the creation of unified wall pieces, embracing spontaneity and the joy of creation without preconceived plans. This collaborative spirit not only enhances his own style but also fosters a sense of community and shared adventure in the graffiti world. Beyond the streets and yards, Andre’s creativity extends to his studio, where his artistic repertoire expands to include rollerball pen drawings, sculptures, tattoos, canvases, murals, and the organization and participation in exhibitions. Each medium offers him a new canvas to explore the themes and aesthetics of graffiti, further enriching his artistic voice.
Andre’s work is driven by an underlying quest to understand the insatiable urge that drives graffiti artists to leave their mark on the world. This introspection reveals a profound connection between the artist and their medium, highlighting the continuous journey of discovery and expression that defines the graffiti experience. After nearly two decades of dedication to his craft, Andre HZS stands as a testament to the evolving nature of graffiti art. His journey underscores a relentless pursuit of style, adventure, and community, proving that for artists like him, the exploration of graffiti’s boundless possibilities is far from over. Andre’s work not only challenges our perceptions of graffiti but also invites us to join him in redefining the boundaries of this vibrant art form.
All images by the artist, Andre HZS, Opderails and Currencystrap