PAPERCTZ EXCLUSIVE : AUGOR (MSK) INTERVIEW

For our first interview ever, PaperCtz blog caught up with one of LA’s biggest rising talents in graffiti and one of the many talented artists in the notorious MSK crew, Augor.

What’s good Augs? 
 
This sfv kush, and oatmeal
 
You just about ready for your latest gallery show?
 
Pretty much. I’m showing a new body of work at the Ironlak Los Angeles flagship store in Hollywood, Ca.
 
Dope! Before we get into that, I was wondering if you would explain the origin and meaning behind your name, Augor?
 
The word came about in a foreign speech class in high school. I learned that the root of the word was a term for the blade at the top of the grim reapers axe. Typical that a instrument used to bring death would be something people think might appeal to me. Yet, I took death to mean rebirth and change. I’d rather focus on those aspects being the concept still backing the name.

What kinds of things were you influenced as a kid growing up and how did you get into doing graffiti?  
 
The areas I drew from as a kid for creative nourishment were insects, spiders and 90’s comic art where every penciler had over the top detail and effects. Also, Saturday evening shows like Tales From the Crypt and of course LA Graffiti art from mentors like Retna Zes and Revok. Even way back to preschool, my parents almost forced my creative hand once they saw that I wasn’t just enjoying the way the brush hairs felt on my face. I never boxed myself into one medium, so a spray can was inevitable.

 
 If you weren’t doing art, what do you think you would be doing for yourself?
 
Probly be sneaking rum shots while working six flags amusement park rides. (laughs)
 
What was your most memorable experience writing graff?
 
The ones I reflect on are always the ones where you’re forced to hide somewhere. There’s been a few times where we’d have to shove ourselves in a corner full of bums and have our chins penetrate bums armpits to hide. Its funny they’re so cool about it, probly turned them on. (laughs) 
 
You’ve been doing a lot of art collaborations with clothing brand LRG as well as Ironlak Paint,  how are those relationships affecting and influencing your work as an artist?
 
Both LRG And Ironlak have played big roles in aiding me get creative projects done over the years.  Ive been collaborating with both for well over three years now, and don’t see any end in the future for our partnerships.  
 

Every time we talk you’re either in another city or back from a trip. How often do you travel and where are some of your favorite places to go?
 
Stepping out of summer and now approaching the holiday opens a lot of offers for travel. Ive been sofa surfing the country on and off for a few years as well, and have about 2 big stops left before the end of this year. I enjoy the areas most where I have fam and friends. The Bay always puts me at ease, or is it the weed, not sure. I’ve been hanging in San Diego lately with my friend Persue learning a few needed technical tricks that I hope to get nailed down for my next trip.
 
Haha, the Bay and it’s weed puts a lot of people, including myself, at ease. What kind of reactions do you get from people in other states/countries about your work?
 
The cool thing about people is that we all have our own tastes, sports teams, women, drugs and beers. We all have our own likes and dislikes. So I never hear or see the same reaction that a 20-year-old in Nebraska would have to a soccer mom from Woodland Hills. I will say I’m not being interviewed because I suck.. thats all im saying.

 The name you have created for yourself on the streets has also given you opportunity to get down on other mediums like magazines (working with Kid Cudi for Complex, Infamous Mag, Seventeen Mag) to video productions and tees with LRG clothing and the cover for rapper Freddie Gibbs’ soon to be released ‘A Cold Day in Hell’  Album. Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years as an artist?
 
Still working is the overall goal and still being able to draw up inspiration to create “new work” and not box myself into being a one trick pony. Right now I’m constantly working inks and linework for my commercial art, so I could easily see myself getting into comic art. Me and a pal are putting something together but ask me about that next year.

Can you explain your approach to doing  art in galleries versus your art in the streets?

The street stuff should convey a powerful impact whenever its witnessed in physical form. I wouldn’t wrap myself around trying to put a style definition, or find a category for what’s done on the street because it’s more about the atmosphere and fitting the art into the right places.

The feeling of seeing a giant piece on the street is what makes that so cool, not the picture itself. The whole “how the fuck did he pull that off there” saying is what drives the street stuff to grow.

As far as the gallery approach, treat it like a show is a movie. The artist should have a continuous narrative that links each work together without being arbitrary.

It’s also about being able to pull your true self. The same reasoning and problem solving of doing work on the street should be evident once people enter the room. I’d hope that people see the inner turmoil, angst, passion, and confidence that is shown from my life experiences including those experienced from running across rooftops in these new works.

Terrors of Crenshaw. What kind of things can we look forward to for this show?

The work in Terrors is my first body of work that is all monochrome (greyscale). Being a halloween show, the works are dark and have a suggestive almost sexual nature in them. Not intending to spook a crowd, rather to convey my darkest thoughts, fantasies, and vices as if they were entities in themselves. The shows inspiration came from countless old black and white noir films, and works from past entertainers like Oliver Scott.

Last but not least, there’s this game I like to play called Fuck/Marry/Kill. I’ll give you 3 names and you basically pick which one to Fuck, Marry and kill. Ready? This is sort of Halloween-esque selection and pretty random.

Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams
Elvira
Nikki Minaj

Kill Ricci and Minaj, Let me get two rounds with Elvira

HAHA, well played.

Check out Augor’s solo exhibition and opening reception of Terrors of Crenshaw at the Ironlak Store in Hollywood this Saturday, October 29th through November 29th.

Ironlak Los Angeles
5125 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

www.ironlak.com
www.L-R-G.com
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