MASON – THE ESSENCE OF WRITING

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 hardcover shows the interaction of his gallery works and public actions, opening with a text by Robert Kaltenhäuser.

Note: This is the revised Version. Edition of 50. Signed.

144 pages, 17 x 24 cm, hardcover
Language: German, English
Release date: February 2020
Publisher: MASON