R. – Rückkehr Return

RAUB is a Frankfurt based writer who started his career more than 20 years ago. In his brand new monograph Rückkehr Return he sums up and breaks down his work since 2008 until today separated into seven chronological chapters. The hardcover combines a personal and critical review of these years with over 180 photos.

With his own style RAUB made a name in the local and supra-regional scene. Although painting mainly trains and trainline walls his pieces are far away from traditional graffiti aesthetics. The way of painting his name started mechanical or raw and turned his works to wide panorama format pieces, abstract and often reduced to two main contrasting colours.

“No, the hobby is everything but an outlet. At least not for me and the little creature that sits inside my head and points out what’s wrong. Never satisfied, always on the go.”

On almost 40 text pages the writer leads us through his personal development over the years in which abstraction, geometric forms and space became more important when at the same time outlines were not in need anymore. While chasing new ideas e.g. with an AI application thoughts on the meaning of his exhausting work grew stronger: What is the purpose of it all, especially when you are never really satisfied with the results?

“Maybe just acknowledge that the claim that graffiti and its scene can give you anything in return was a bit too ambitious. In the end, I’m only doing this for myself. I have to draw the consequences from it, so I don’t owe anyone anything.”

The 336-pages lovely produced high quality book describes the way to a graffiti midlife-crisis many writers and artists might experience when being active over decades. Next to important influential quotes it contains reflective thoughts on a so called hobby which maybe is just a every-taking never-giving life dedication in disguise.

336 pages, 21,4 x 27 cm, 400 copies, embossed hardcover,
Language: German/English
Release date: November 2024
Publisher: Montana Store Frankfurt