MINI gets Krinked

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MINI gets Krinked October 23, 2009

What's KRINK? Saunter out onto the streets of just about any major city in the world and look out for those tags scrawled in thick, dripping silver ink. You can't miss it - the trademark Krink paint drip aesthetic is everywhere: doorways, brick walls, subway stations, signs, Nike sneakers, Smith ski goggles, and Incase laptop sleeves. And now, a MINI.

Artist-entrepreneur Craig Costello - or KR - has been developing graffiti paints since way back in the day, growing up in 1980s Queens, NY. What started as personal experimentation with home-made materials soon grew into a very limited production line of special bottled silver paint distributed to select friends only. Then he started selling the stuff as "Krink," and the rest is history.

Today the company offers a wide line of specialty markers and inks online and through retailers worldwide. KR also occasionally collaborates with other companies to put his creative stamp on some very fly limited-edition products

This October, KR will travel to Hamburg, Germany, to make his iconic mark on a MINI. You, MINI Spacers, are invited to be there when it happens.

initial unveiling:
Wed., Oct. 28th
19.00 - 23.00
erste liebe bar
Michaelisbrücke 3
20459 Hamburg

vernissage and exhibition:
Sat., Oct. 31st
20.00
Vicious Gallery
Kleine Freiheit 46
22767 Hamburg

Both events will feature the Krinked MINI alongside other works by KR. We're as stoked as you are to find out what the final product looks like, but while you wait, read on as we catch up with the artist himself.

MINI Space: Did you make your own paints from the start?

KR: Experimenting with different materials and tools has always been a part of my personality. When I was younger, it was often economy that drove me to experiment and find things that worked for me.

MS: How did you come to create the signature "drippy" look? Was it something you had seen before, or totally new at the time?

KR: The Krink style is relatively new to the street, to art, and design. While some drippy tags existed in NYC on the insides of trains in the 80s, it was not at the level that it is today.

It's about standing out. I created my own inks and markers, so I essentially had an unlimited supply. It was hard for others to copy me in the beginning, so I became well known for having drippy tags when no one else did. Now it is a common sight globally.

Krink is an evolution: the tags got bigger and the drips longer. Now I don't use tags at all, only drips. I have continued to use the Krink aesthetic and evolve it into something that goes beyond graffiti.

MS: How has street art changed since you were a kid in Queens? Do you see it going in a particular direction in the future?

KR: Graffiti in NYC was much rougher when I was younger. Now things are more refined, and the internet and globalization have inspired people all over the world.

Today we see a blending of global styles that is very interesting. NYC real estate values are through the roof, so it's hard to find space to paint freely, but in other countries there is so much more opportunity. I feel Europe is very open-minded about progressive style.

MS: Are you still involved in street-level painting, or are you strictly focused on the product line now?

KR: I am not very involved with street-level painting, I am much more focused on projects and products.

NYC is really locked down; it's not as free as it used to be. I love the public space, but it's difficult. I would love to work on public projects, if done with permission.

MS: What is it like to see your paints and designs made into a brand?

KR: Sometimes it's a little crazy. I never thought it would be like this; I never had a plan for business, but I do see the Krink brand as an extension and evolution of my creativity.

I find branding very interesting, in the same way I enjoy conceptual art and new ideas.

MS: How do you feel about other artists using your products on the streets or in installations?

KR: I feel blessed that so many different artists, writers, and designers have been so positive about Krink and what it stands for.

I am happy to share and love seeing Krink on the streets, on products, or in a gallery.

MS: Currently you are working on a project with MINI. Can you give us some info on this?

KR: I will paint a MINI Cooper. It's an art and design piece that I hope will be great for both brands.

It's important for larger companies to be in touch with and help support the arts, and I hope this project helps to convey that idea.

by Elisabeth Fertig

Related Links

Krink's website

erste liebe bar

Vicious Gallery

Category: Art & Design

Tags: Craig Costello , erste liebe bar , Hamburg , KR , KRINK , street art , Vicious Gallery

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