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Art Life | Outside IN: Story of Art in the Streets

Art in the Streets was an exhibition created by the Museum of Contemporary Arts that highlighted some of the world's most renown graffiti artists or as I refer to them Aerolists. The film below focuses on discovering the depths of these artists through their work and artistic intellect. An interesting piece of this film is the discussion about the practice of tagging (i.e. gang related graffiti) versus the actual art of graffiti itself. For decades, there has been a large issue of artists fighting the legal systems of their cities and counties because their art is being referred to as "gang work." Personally, I believe there is a major visual difference between art and a gang tag...but hey, that's just me.

AVID Visionaries | TSF Crew Interview

All Images © Copyright TSF

Bria: What year and what city did TSF begin?

TSF: We began something like 95/96 near Paris. 

B: How many members make up the TSF Crew?

TSF: It's 9 French artists, 3 Mexican artists, and 1 in the Burkina Faso (i.e. West Africa). 

B: How did TSF come to be formed?

TSF: It was like a college joke. In the beginning, TSF meant The Simpsons Family and every member had a name from The Simpsons cartoon. Now, it's a lost tradition but Milouz (i.e. Milhouse) is still alive. Also, throughout the time of meeting, travelling, and exchange, TSF just began to construct a new face and evolve.

B: In what aspect has your French culture influenced your artwork?

TSF: I don't know if a "French touch" has influenced our work because we are a part of the world wide generation. But it's true, that France has a very "artistic climate" and there are a lot of great artists here, who have nourished our journey. 

B: What inspired TSF's first illusion mural?

TSF: Our first illusion was made in 2000 and if I remember correctly, I think it was something like, "Hey man look, my paint continued on the other wall...it's so funny". Then we discovered the work of Georges Rousse, Felice Varini and many others, so we realized that this type of painting was actually a true and great form of artistic expression. 

B: Which is more important, being the most creative artists or the greatest artists?

TSF: We don't have a competitive spirit. So we don't think about being the most creative or the greatest artists. The roots of our passion is pleasing to us, so if by some chance, other people can be pleased as well, that's all we wish.

B: What impression does the TSF Crew hope to leave on the world?

TSF: We don't have the intention to leave an impression on the world, but if our work can make someone dream or smile, then we can be proud. 

B: Finish this sentence. If art did not exist...

TSF: Humanity would not exist. 

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For more of the TSF Crew's amazing work, go check out their website, www.tsfcrew.com 

A special thanks to Papy and every other member of the TSF Crew!