1xRUN Thru Interview
Status Update by Katsu
1xRun: Anything immediate you want to highlight about Status Update?
Katsu: Zuckerberg is the perfect pop icon of the Information Age.
1xRun: Ok, how did you come up with the idea?
Katsu: I spend a lot of time thinking about the implications of the Internet and where we are moving as a species. Tools and platforms that allow us to network and connect are truly defining who we are and what we believe. These iconic creators of such platforms like Zuckerberg are worshiped in our society as peaceful innovators with only good intentions. But the truth is very different.
I always wanted to use Zuckerberg in a piece but wanted it to have a low res feel.
This image represents the voice of the new Internet. One that is not controlled by corporations. One that is free.
1xRUN: This recently was part of a street campaign in New York City correct? How did that come about and what was the reception?
Katsu: I love the thin line between Graffiti and Advertising. There is this bizarre valuation system we all have when digesting disposable media.
The intention was to install the prints as a campaign or as real advertisements to draw mass attention to the image. Graffiti writers, Students and hackers were the primary audience.
The press took to it very quickly. A hacker friend contacted me the moment I woke up after the install with GIZMODO wanting the first interview. Many other media sources reached out but I felt GIZMODO would give the right ripple.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about for these prints themselves?
Katsu: I took a Vandal Marketing approach to the execution. The design needed to look good at 20ft away and lose certain perfection as you got closer to reveal the “hand touched” design work. Though the prints are not hand screened the concept of them is very hand done.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Katsu: The piece from thought to install took a month to create. The posters are all part of the campaign which was the piece.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece compared with your other work?
Katsu: This piece is unique in that it’s a visual device statement. I’m not using my tag, my skull or any graffiti references…except maybe that Zuckerberg likes street art and graffiti.
This piece is unique in that its KATSU.INTERNET.PRIVACY
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Katsu: The piece is visually loud. It’s very contemporary and juvenile. It’s perfect for the office of a billionaire tech slimer or a extremely accomplished drug dealer. It’s the perfect piece of INTERNET GRAFFITI art to balance a collection.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Katsu: Criminal.
1xRun: Why Mark Zuckerberg?
Katsu: See above.
1xRun: You have been all over the map lately and recently came to visit us here in Detroit, what are your thoughts of Detroit right now?
Katsu: Detroit is a masterpiece. It’s the beginning of a new era. Once the Silicon Valley for a great human innovation with the automobile, it’s now a blank canvas both for our great technological future as well as the new American city. Graffiti Disneyland is my favorite name for it now.
1xRun: Any big plans for the rest of the year?
Katsu: That’s classified.
-1xRUN