In the vibrant city of Chicago and California, artist Lourans Mikhail reflects on his journey with graffiti, considering it as the language of the people. Growing up in a school system facing financial challenges, Mikhail witnessed the reduction of funds for arts and physical education. Amidst this backdrop, graffiti emerged as a form of expression, featuring tagging, bubble letters, theories, and burners, captivating Mikhail with its esoteric nature.
To him, graffiti resembled a new language, often misunderstood and dismissed as something associated with gang activity. Despite prevalent misconceptions, Mikhail believes in the essential nature of graffiti, conveying messages that might be overlooked. However, he acknowledges the darker aspects within the realm of hip hop culture, recognizing the presence of male toxicity, particularly in elements like graffiti crews, misogyny, and rap.
Mikhail sheds light on the misogyny embedded in certain aspects of hip hop culture, exemplified by graffiti crew names that sometimes perpetuate explicit imagery. He draws attention to the use of offensive gestures, such as grabbing genitals, as a form of disrespect in breaking, and acknowledges the prevalent misogyny within the world of rap.
Despite these observations, graffiti played a transformative role in Mikhail’s life, fostering a deep love for letters. This passion continued to flourish when he pursued graphic design in school, eventually leading him to fall in love with typography.
