Felipe Pantone takes graffiti to the next level. With his work, the Spanish-Argentinian artist conveys a collision of an analog past and a digitized future. A prism of neon gradients, geometric shapes and jagged grids are classic Felipe Pantone and adorn murals around the world as well as a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette. We had a chat with the artist about his first graffiti, his until today unknown identity, and the future of street art.

 

This is an extract of the new 2021 Print Magazine “The Reconnect Issue”, which is available here!

 

You started doing graffiti at the age of 12. Do you remember your first graffiti?

I do. It was a piece with white filling and a black outline. I, therefore, used two 200ml white cans and one black. I don’t remember it being terrible but I didn’t keep a picture of it either.

 

 

How have you developed your signature style? What artists inspire you?

I’m very much inspired by kinetic and minimal artists, as well as by graffiti, the internet, and everything happening nowadays around me. Also, contemporary art plays an important role in my work.

 

 

Your work process seems to be quite complex using a modeling software to create a 3D project, which then can be translated onto an analog medium. Can you tell us more about your workflow?

I use different processes: most times I start sketching in Adobe Illustrator, sometimes I start sketching in 3D, sometimes on paper. I just have an idea of linear or radial movement, that I then translate to my engineers. They give me suggestions on how we can optimize it and then my team and I start building.

 

 

Is there a mission you want to accomplish with your work?

I want my work to keep evolving, same as life does. I want to condense experiences into small pieces and then- translate the essence of our times into small artwork capsules.

 

 

You are trying to connect an analog past with a digitized future. Are you more of a digital or analog person?

I was born before the advent of the internet but then grew up in a digitized world which means I have one foot on each side. I wanna stay up-to-date with all new technologies, however, I really enjoy nature and tech-free experiences as well.

 

 

Read the full interview in our print magazine – The Reconnect Issue – to find out more about Felipe Pantone’s inspiration sources, his work flow and his future projects.

Along with other exclusive interviews with legends in the industry like gallerist Johann König, documentary photographer Martha Cooper and designer Erich Brechbuehl, the fourth Forward Magazine print issue is out now!