Dortmund is one of the few cities which has an untouchable status in the history of graffiti in Europe. Especially in the 90s a small group of writers managed to kill the system, having every running train covered with pieces. One of these guys was MASON. Active since 1986 and using pseudonyms like RIO or IOS, he contributed in shaping the city’s unique style, known as thick, blocky and recognizable at first sight.
THE ESSENCE OF WRITING is not a comprehensive chronicle showing every piece he ever did. He rather did look back and separated his œuvre into chronological chapters: Getting Up (1986-1991), Running the System (1991-1995), New York (1991-1997), Changing Process (1996-2010) and Recent Past (2010-2019). Each chapter opens with introductory words by MASON and presents selected works, mainly on trains, from each period.
The last chapter takes the books’ most space. While consisting of latest pieces on trains, it also introduces canvas works and exhibitions, accompanied with essays from MOSES and François Chastanet. The exhibition catalogue-like 150 paged hardcover shows the interaction of his gallery works and public actions, opening with a text by Robert Kaltenhäuser.
The book was released in 2020 and was sold out within a week. We are happy to not only offer you the last available books of the 400 copy run, but also rare AP (artist’s proof) editions. Some of the books are also signed so choose your preferred version below.
144 pages, 17 x 24 cm, Edition of 400+AP, hand numbered, hardcover
Language: German, English
Release date: February 2020
Publisher: MASON
29,00 €Read more
