SPLASH™ narrates the story of the end of graffiti. The iconic and very significant series by the artists’ collective MOSES & TAPS™ had its origins back in 2010.
Although MOSES & TAPS™ were practicing the art of graffiti at their best, they realized that they were nontheless subject to the rules and hierarchy of the subculture and their artistic freedom was restricted by the prevailing rules of vandalism. Their aim was to „end“ a tradition in order to create, activate and promote a more progressive, conceptual and avant-garde approach to a tradition that has begun long before them and will last long after them.
„ Therefore, in our eyes, the splashes are the logical end of graffiti.“
Moses & Taps™, 2020.
For all who do not know SPLASH™ yet – in short: “The SPLASH™ series is about breaking the rule that graffiti even has to portray a name.“ – MOSES & TAPS™, 2015.
With a supposedly ‘simple’ splash of paint from a stabbed spray can, MOSES & TAPS™ replace the classic tag, throw up and piece. This series challenges the long and precisely planned process of making a ‘perfect’ piece and puts an end to the stylized writing of a name. By this radical reduction, the name and decorative elements rooting in the graffiti tradition are eliminated, leaving only a splash of color. By omitting the name, MOSES & TAPS™ clearly break through the basic principle of graffiti with the SPLASH™ series.
To create new, old must die. The radical reduction of lettering and decorative elements, the omitting of the name and the stabbing of the spray can, metaphorically and literally refer to the end of graffiti.
What was born out of it?
How will the splash SPLASH™ change writing about the history of graffiti in the future?
Tania di Brita
Artworks
Av. de Beauregard 1
1700 Fribourg
Switzerland
Only on appointment
T +41 79 301 11 37