WE INTERVIEW ARYZ ON THE OCCASION OF HIS BOOK RELEASE

Picture by Germán Rigol for Tramontana Magazine.

There’s just a bit over a week left until Aryz‘s Kickstarter campaign finishes, a campaign he launched in order to finance his first book; a compilation of his public space interventions up until now. In addition to the book, and as per usual with these types of micro-patronages, a series of prints and gifts are being offered depending on the contribution you make. Aryz is even offering the chance to star in one of his artworks, though to do so the price must be over 8500 euros. For the time being the initiative seems to be a complete success, just like practically everything that the Cardedeu artists embarks upon, but our curiosity for this editorial project is tearing us apart.

-Does the fact that you are going to make a book mean you have reached a turning point in your career?

I’m at a point where I need something similar to an exorcism… I have a lot of material that I don’t want to live with anymore and publishing it is a way to start a clean slate.

-Why did you specifically choose the editorial format?

I’ve always had a weak spot for books as I like to see things in a physical format.
I’m really nervous about publishing a book because I want to come out right. For that reason I thought it was a good idea to self-publish it, that way I’ll have more control in the process and how my work is presented.
It’s a good time to publish a book because a large part of my murals are beginning to fade due to exterior factors such as rain, sun, etc. The book format, apart from helping to appreciate and understand the volume of work, allows you to view the interventions with their corresponding colors at an image quality that is infinitely better than seeing them on Instagram, my website or any other online platform.

-Is this format important in the art world?

For me it is very important. Honestly, I don’t know the implied repercussions of having a book -I do not believe it changes anything too much, but I’ll let you know once it’s printed…

“I think it is a piece that will surely allow people to understand my work better and I hope it will help in understanding where I came from”

-Give us a small summary of roughly what we’ll find…

Roughly… it’s the first book that gathers my works in public space from the past 10 years. It will be organized chronologically, but at the same time it will be separated by context; abandoned spaces, city interventions, some spray paint pieces…

-What will we see that we haven’t seen yet?

There is some unpublished material. Sketches that have helped me to plan murals, process photos, some murals from a long time ago… I think it is a piece that will surely allow people to understand my work better and I hope it will help in understanding where I came from and how my work has evolved in recent years.

-Will there be texts on the inside?

The most extensive texts are some conversations that I had when visiting Daniel Muñoz-San in his town. In these texts we talk about our views on art and street art, the importance of color, how to deal with a mural and its process. Basically, the concerns we have and some criticism of what is considered to be our sector.
There is also an introductory text written by Rafael Schacter in which he talks about my work from a more academic point of view.

“I do know that what we do goes far beyond money. And that’s what I’m proud of”

-Will you only feature large mural interventions?

The book focuses on my activity in public space and with that comes some graffiti. It will touch a little upon this facet that has been fundamental in my artistic and personal development.
There won’t be any conventional format artworks, only mural sketches. The central focus of my work during these last years is what will appear in the book. Publishing paintings and works on paper would make the read more confusing and perhaps generate some misunderstanding. The book represents where I come from, and proposes an open question that not even I know the answer to… where am I going?

-Which of these artworks is the one that makes you most proud?

All the hours spent painting murals have made me paint more effectively over time and have caused me to improve year after year. It’s not that I’m proud, but I’m happy with how my work has changed without having to follow the trends of the times. I believe that this evolution is reflected in the book.
A large part of the murals that appear were done without budget, and those that I was payed for weren’t much to write home about. That is not reflected in the book, but I do know that what we do goes far beyond money. And that’s what I’m proud of.

-Tell us about the design and layout…

Solo is in charge of the design and layout. I contacted them because their work seems very elegant and they have a lineage that could add another dimension to the book. They are doing an impeccable job and are the ones who will make this book a true work of art.

-It seems like the initiative was successful. To what extent does this change the initial idea for the book?

Yes, it was a success. I did not expect it to go so well.
The more money that’s collected and the more people who decide to collaborate, the better the printing results that can be obtained. So, if you haven’t reserved your copy, do it now!

“I have tried to lower the prices as much as possible to thank all those who have supported the project and are making it possible. Afterwards, if it doesn’t end up in stores, it will be more expensive”

-Will there be any way to get it if you’re not collaborating in the Kickstarter? Will it be available in stores?

For the time being that seems a bit far off. For now I am focusing on the Kickstarter campaign doing well. Once the books have been printed, we will see how to reach as many people as possible.
I have tried to lower the prices as much as possible to thank all those who have supported the project and are making it possible. Afterwards, if it doesn’t end up in stores, it will be more expensive.

– Is there any other project that Aryz is preparing apart from the book?

I’m starting to sort the material I have at home. I have a mess of notebooks, paper studies, canvases … this project will take me a while. Aside from that I’ll just continue painting and learning little by little to enjoy the journey.