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When Felix Forster ’09 (Rostock, Germany) is not engrossed in his studies as a double major in mathematics and economics & business, he is (legally) practicing his talent as an accomplished and well-respected “graffiti/aerosol artist” in the community.
Forster is presenting an introduction to graffiti style and technique on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Williams Center for the Arts, Rm. 108. His talk will include several examples from his own work. The talk is free and open to the public. For more information, call x5361 or email.
Forster is presenting in connection with the exhibit Crash by John “Crash” Matos, a pioneer in the graffiti art movement. The exhibit is running in the Williams Center for the Arts Gallery through March 16. He is also in the process of completing a mural to be displayed in the lobby of the Williams Center for the Arts, also in honor of the “Crash” exhibit.
Unlike in America where graffiti is typically scorned for its association with gang territory and violence, in Germany it is a means of artistic and political self-expression, Forster explains.
”The graffiti art community in Germany, while not always moving on legal ground either, at least doesn’t support people who shoot each other with guns,” says Forster, who was first drawn to graffiti through its relationship with the 1990’s scene of hip-hop, break dancing and rap, which was just as popular in Germany as it was in the U.S.
As a highly involved student, Forster practices his art whenever time allows. His work has frequently been displayed around campus and at the Cosmic Cup Company in Easton. He is grateful for the support he receives from the Lafayette community.
“The Williams Art Center has been very supportive, especially since I’m really not an art major,” he says. ”They provide me with a canvas and a place to work; I just have to buy my own spray paint.”