Interview courtesy Bizarre Beyond Belief issue #18

Bizarre Beyond Belief: As an artist with such a lengthy career in graffiti, how have you seen the community develop and transform since you began?
SABER: It’s different era, Internet, social media, smartphones, graffiti task forces, #instabanging, designer spray cans, street-art museum shows, auctions, clothing brands, movies,  advertisements, pandora box is open. The old heads remember a simpler time. I’m second to last generation when it comes to an older traditional mindset. Imagine growing up with no concept of the Internet. The only materials you could find were physical. It made things more personal, you cherished those early magazines and photos. Now, the whole world is competing for airspace. No filter, there is no shortage of shit piling up as well as there is no shortage of talent all working hard to be noticed.
BBB: How would you describe public opinion since you began painting? Has it changed or shifted?
SABER: Seems like people are more open to the idea due to the popularity of street-art.  I know the general public still hates tagging, the irony. Same act, figurative work and paper seem less offensive then spray painted letters on the same surface. Either way, I like all of it even the shit.

BBB: Though graffiti is a relatively young phenomenon how far do you believe graffiti can evolve or has it already become stagnant?
SABER: It evolves. Move with the times or at least a few individuals pushing the envelope. It also sparks up, Cairo or libya for instance.  Political graffiti has taken over as a new form of conversation in an ancient city with ancient graffiti.  But as an art form every region has its captains..
BBB: As an artist who has moved from the streets to the gallery, what were the major obstacles you encountered along the way?
SABER: Learning a basic business practice and keeping a level head.  Understanding my value. The art world is no pretty place. Very selective with well funded competition. No shortage of gatekeepers.  Learn to negotiate and state your position.  Make lists of your immediate resources and relationships  around you and learn to initiate moves. Just be prepared to back your shit up.

BBB: What are you thoughts on graffiti in the gallery setting, do artists credibility dissipate once they are removed from the street? 
SABER: This question  needs to be from the point if view that a person is a great artist that happens to be a graffiti writer. The work has to speak for itself, that is where the credibility is. It’s not easy being successful or consistent. 
It all takes long hours and hard work. Being a graffiti artist can help your career or it can severely damage it depending how you present your case. 
BBB: Many of your works are politically driven, what is your take on the current political landscape in America today?
SABER: Honestly, I feel the need to put less and less of my emotional energy to that. I save what I have for the kids and the paintings.  When it’s time to pick an issue I’ll jump in when it feels right.

BBB: With a very public stance on health care issues in the United States, do you feel as if things are currently moving forward in that regard?
SABER: To early to tell.
BBB: Some of your work has received a notable amount of controversy, how do you deal with the attention?
SABER: Hype is just that, hype. Longevity is the truer testament.   

BBB: Do you feel that art must be meaningful and controversial or can there be work solely based on aesthetic?
SABER: Work is always more powerful when it conveys a message. 
BBB: What is your stance on social media, would you say it is now an more desirable time to be an artist or is the pool to large to choose from?
SABER: Great tool but what a mind fuck for these young kids. Engaging it With constancy is the key. The value and quality of the content really counts.  I look at my timelines as a record of my eyes and thoughts, almost like a portfolio of interests. It’s important to engage content that has nutrients.

BBB: Also, do you feel that artists may be inclined to look on the internet and take work from artists they are inspired by than to create work from their own ideas?
SABER: It’s easier to just google it. But they have to answer to a community so 
Eventually they learn.
BBB: Where does SABER see himself both as an artist and as an individual in 5, 10 and 25 years from now?
SABER: Painting sunsets in my boxers on a beach front…

Thanks Bizarre Beyond Belief for sharing this interview with us!

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