QSC, the epic graffiti group from Madrid, took over the Montana Shop in the capital, reasserting the health and quality of its members. Thanks to this exhibition we were able to get closer to the writer Snow, and ask him a few questions.
When we talk about graffiti, if we talk about Madrid, old school Madrid, one of the names that stands out is the QSC Group. So many years. So many walls, so many adventures, that it would be impossible to fit them all in an article, or in an exhibition -as is the case- because since 1986 this crew has represented the Madrid scene and will, apparently, continue to do so for many more years. We talked to Snow and this is what he told us.
“This event has been the perfect excuse to organize a reunion between old friends that has made the new generations connect with part of the origin of Madrid graffiti, culminating in a super special presentation event for both the old school and the new school.”
Daniel Luengo, MTN Shop Madrid.
For the new writers or those who don’t know much about the history of national graffiti, can you briefly define the QSC group?
QSC stands for Quick Silver Crew. The group was formed by KooL, SEONE, the Berron Brothers, AGS, and Guillermo in 1986. They were all friends from school where they used to dance breakdance. Years later, ARDI, SAC, Merey, Mata, Kiko, Yaone, some others and I (Snow) joined. I don’t really remember the exact date.
When QSC was formed, how big was the graffiti scene in Madrid? What contact was there with other cities and how did that contact influence you?
In the beginning the scene was very small. We guided each other by getting together and sharing information with each other, especially from magazines and fanzines (many of which were black and white photocopies).
The first trips were to cities such as Barcelona, Alicante and even Paris, where we had established relationships with writers by sending letters.
What is QSC’s activity like today?
Currently the arrival of new members has given QSC a push.
We are still active in the world of graffiti doing all kinds of works with spray: both murals, works and canvases.
Could you list, in your opinion, the biggest changes that have taken place in the Madrid graffiti scene from the 80s to the present?
At first everything was tags and little by little that transformed into pieces and murals of all kinds, in addition to the appearance of different styles, realisms and works made and derived from graffiti. For me that has been all of the evolution that has taken place so far since the 80s. I have also noticed that before there was more respect and the community was more united. Currently I see how many writers bite others, or don’t have as much respect for the graffiti of others.
Speaking of the exhibition, we can find different styles of painting in it. Could you summarize them and explain who each one belongs to?
The expo consists of 5 paintings by KooL, 12 paintings by me and then 1 of each member of the group (Wendy, Yaone, Sen, Yeti, Fire, Seone, Sac and Came), where our essence as writers is reflected individually and as a group. The work on display exudes the concept of direct art: from street to canvas.
What role can canvases play in the work of a graffiti writer?
For me they are a way of representing graffiti in a small space, easy to transport where it can be included in any space, where anyone can see it. It’s like adapting the street to an interior space (a gallery, a house, a restaurant, etc.)
What do you like the most about current graffiti and what do you miss the most about the old-school scene?
What I like the most is that there is very good technique, many different styles, very young people painting and very good quality and variety of paint.
What I miss the most is that essence of the beginning where there were fewer of us painting and we knew each other. There were a lot of good vibes between us.
I also miss going to the meetups at the Nuevos Ministerios station, a meeting place for all writers at the time.
“QSC is the flavor of a generation. I started in 1993, and although I spent some time out of contact with them, I reconnected with Kool in Ibiza this year. Thanks to Snow, this exhibition came together and what most impressed me was to see the different styles of the members of the group”
Wendy
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