MTN WORLD

Interview with SEN2, graffiti writer (4Burners crew) and owner of DA BAKERY Store (South Bronx, NY).

How are things going in the neighborhood? We imagine that you spend most of your time in the Bronx, what with living and working there.

First and foremost I would like to thank Montana Colors for the opportunity they’ve given me to be a part of this Limited Edition.

I spend a lot of time in the neighborhood and the store (Da Bakery). The shop is four stops from my house, in the south Bronx, lines 2 and 5.

In just a few words, could you define for us your relationship with New York?

I’ve got so many words that describe New York for me. She took me in like I was her child, and gave me the opportunity form a part of the hip-hop movement.

There’s something nostalgic in your Limited Edition; could you tell us what process you went through to create the can? What are the elements it’s made up of?

When I found out I was about to be a part of this Limited Edition, the first thing I did is calmly take the whole city in for awhile. I then realized that it had something in common; first,it’s the most beautiful city in the world, and second, it is the place where hip-hop began. The city gave me the opportunity to be who I am and channel my efforts into graffiti art.

Why did you decide to design the can in two tones? Why the color blue?

Even though my favorite color is red, the blue signifies hope, triumph, and if you look up at the sky, it’s the color of everything that surrounds us.

What kind of response did you receive from your Limited Edition? Did it turn out how you imagined?

I never thought it would turn out like that. I was surprised when I saw it. I felt like I had accomplished something really big in my life. The props I got from my friends and everyone around me has been amazing. Everyone is asking for it!

What’s the graffiti scene in the city like? After three such intense decades, is there still motivation on the streets? Is there still interest?

It is a bit different, because in the eighties it was more about trains and bombing, but now it’s a bit limited because of the laws and restrictions. These days guys paint for the fame, not because it comes from their heart, even though many like myself and my homies solely dedicate ourselves to representing NYC, the World’s capital.

90´s

You’re the owner of the Da Bakery graffiti shop which opened its doors in May 2009; how’s the business going, after a year and a half?

To start, I have to say it is very complicated to be a graff writer and shop owner, because the later takes up so much time. I have a familly, travel for work…It’s not easy, but I’ve learned so much along the way in the business.

Could you give us some anecdotes which happened to you in the shop in 2010? What’s the current exposition, and what do you have programmed for 2011?

So much has happened in so little time. I’ve had Europeans, Japanese, Mexicans, Chileans, etc. come through here in the South Bronx. A little of everything. It’s changed the image of the South Bronx.

In the last few years, many graffiti writers that were active during the ’70s and ’80s have started promoting themselves again; what’s your opinion on that?

I think it is a great idea that they’ve come back on to the newer scene with a good constructive criticism. You’ve gotta respect the new generation because they are the ones keeping graffiti alive and through them the old school stays recognized. That way graff continues to go forward with new colors and ideas.