FROM TOWNS TO GANGS, BRIEF INTERVIEW

Time flies and it’s already been three years since Towns changed his name to Gangs. Despite not sticking with the first five letters that brought him international notoriety, the Londoner is sticking to something, and that something is being processed by the city of Barcelona. During his latest recurrent visit we accompanied him to the wall to carry out a quick interview which proved helpful in getting an update on the current state of this writer’s graffiti.

Why did you change your name to Gangs?
Mainly because I wanted some different letters to explore. I have been painting a few other words too.

Do you think there is an stylistic gap between Towns and Gangs?
I think it is a continuation of the same aesthetic but my approach has always changed naturally over time.

Could you make a quick description of your style’s evolution?
I have always tried to focus on letters as the foundation and how they interact, I think that is intrinsic to all graffiti. Once I was happy with my letter forms I focused more on background and colours.

“GANGS works well for me because I can switch the positioning of each G to counteract balance but still keep the weight equal in the piece.“

What do you want to transmit with your letters now?
Hopefully a combination of structure, fluidity and good composition.

Some writers say that using a name with a repeated letter could be a handicap. What do you think?
I think it depends where the letters are in the word. GANGS works well for me because I can switch the positioning of each G to counteract balance but still keep the weight equal in the piece. Its almost like a reflection in the perfect place, not quite enough to make it too symmetrical and just right to give it structure and flow.

Your color choices are always very elegant. Do you follow any guideline or pattern?
I don’t really follow any pattern but I do go through phases. Recently I’ve been working with tonal contrast to bring out the letters and black behind the piece.

“I would say it’s much easier to shoot photography than paint graffiti because you don’t need to prepare (…) so it’s a good creative outlet in winter when the days are short and cold.”

Lately your photography work is occupying a bigger space on your instagram account. What does this art form allow you that graffiti doesn’t?
I have always been into photography. In the last two years I have been shooting on film only. It has opened up a whole new creative world for me! I would say it’s much easier to shoot photography than paint graffiti because you don’t need to prepare, you just load your camera and start shooting, so it’s a good creative outlet in winter when the days are short and cold.