1xRun Thru Interview
Relax by Maximilian Wiedemann
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Maximilian Wiedemann: The original works on canvas are sold out. A lot of watch lovers go for this piece. The Relax piece has been on done on paper and canvas, I change the colors constantly. A lot of my work revolves around status symbols and today’s obsession with money and power play. A Rolex watch is a sign for wealth and luxury, some use it to show off and try to define their personality over material wealth. My message is Relax, if you have no Rolex – again, Relax.
1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
Maximilian Wiedemann: This piece was launched at my show in London, How to make a Billion. I started working more on status symbols, fame and the interaction/ ambivalence of love & money.
1xRun: When was this piece created and with what materials?
Maximilian Wiedemann: The idea came about in 2010, but this particular piece was screen printed in New York in September 2013. With this piece I used spray paint and screen printing. I create most of my work with spray paint, stencils, silk screen, neon and resin.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Maximilian Wiedemann: The desperation of folks to impress or show of material wealth. It’s hilarious.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Maximilian Wiedemann: A lifetime. To get the concept right is the key.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Maximilian Wiedemann: It hits the nail on the head. The typical Wiedemann work, take something iconic an known , and turn the meaning upside down with minimal changes. There is also an amazing vibrance of colors in this RUN.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Maximilian Wiedemann: It will make you smile. I like good humor in artworks.
1xRun: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Maximilian Wiedemann: Timeless. 
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Maximilian Wiedemann: When I was 16 years old I started spray painting graffiti, I had a crew and that was our creative outlet. I am loyal to the spray can to this day. My first piece was graffiti letters.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Maximilian Wiedemann: Early on my influences were Mode2, Seen, Can2 and Martha Cooper. Now I aim to find my own style in daily life and inspiration. Any work I can get a kick from. The New York artists in the 70/80. Contemporary artists I enjoy are Os Gemeos, Kaws, Vhils, Jr, Andre, Invader and many more…
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
Maxmilian Wiedmann:I like raw studios, warehouse style, I mostly listen to Hip hop
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Maxmilian Wiedmann: Koons – I like his understanding of composition and content. For the latter it would be Andy Warhol, he’s in my DNA.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? The last?
Maxmilian Wiedmann:The first piece of art that I bought was a piece from Joseph Beuys. Yep I’ve still got it. Loved and cherished. He used to be my neighbor in Dusseldorf , Germany. The last was a dress for my wife.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Maxmilian Wiedmann: #maximilianwiedemann
-1xRUN