THE ART OF MODE 2
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Every writer will know of Mode2. There doesn`t seem to be one magazine or Graffiti related event goes by without the inclusion of at least one tell tale character popping up. Mode2`s style is so developed that it is unmistakable. He may have been influenced through comics such as 2000AD but his characters have come into their own. He has perfected his technique of sketchy fill-ins and detailed scenes and backgrounds. Mode2 does love the Graffiti scene and would probably prefer to be known for his lettering, yet it is hard for anyone to ignore what he is so good at. The paintings themselves are the proof. I have been in some of the same events, been in the same room, walked past him many times and even watched him paint now and then but I have never actually spoken to him. The last time I saw him, we were painting at a really piss-poor event at Milton Keynes in minus 5 degrees. In the coach he was talking back and forth between the French and German writers, and making sure no-one creased his just bought magazines. In the past he appeared to be arrogant and very unapproachable, and at the same time, very modest, unassuming and when he`s painting, totally shut off to any crowd of onlookers. I`ve been assured he`s a very nice bloke really. He was allready well respected in the U.K. when he was involved with the Chrome Angels. A lot of us still remember the excellant Freestyle 85. And the appearance of his work in Spraycan Art certainly didn`t harm his career as a painter, and brought him admiration the world over. This in turn makes the crowd get bigger. He has been known to say he doesn`t like his work being photographed, but without a worldwide subway system to get our work out to everyone, then photographs are the next best thing. Our history of Graffiti has to be documented and artists as good as Mode2 need to be seen. By everyone. These images have been collected from various sources, my own photo`s, friends, magazines or the internet. Some of the jpg`s have been cleaned up if the quality was too poor. which is usually the case with Graffiti photo`s, over or under exposed, bad joiners, strange angles, flash glare or badly scanned. The images themselves have not been tampered with and will hopefully help some way towards the documentation and history of this beautiful artform. And, in this instance, the work of art that is Mode 2. |
Saturns Return - Feb - Mar 1998.
Mode2 was commissioned to paint the publicity billboard for Goldie`s "Saturns Return"
And under the pressure of the camera`s he got the job done.
This is really a bit of a cop out for Goldie considering he was a Graffiti artist himself.
Saturns Return. After the press have gone. London
Thanks to Rough for the flix of the finished peice.
The pix of Mode painting is from Hip hop connection issue 112 1998
" Mode V Swifty " - Exhibition - Oct 16 - 1997 ( Mode Wins )
 " Scoped " - Inkjet on canvas. |
 " Untitled Nude " - Spraypaint on Canvas Sold to James Lavelle. |
 " Carine " - Inkjet on canvas. |
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A nice little exhibition that took place in Manchester. Not that well advertised, but
the Mode 2 painting across the street seemed to do the job for us. Organised by Arc
and containing the work of graphic artist Swifty, who organised the excellant Graffiti
billboard Fosters Ice promotion, and of course, the work of Mode. It contained three
inkjet prints on canvas, adapted from his sketchbook work and three spray paintings.
There was a poster and catalogue of the event available. Ask Arc if theres any left.
Arc - Arts Annex, The Smithfield Building,
Northern Quarter, Manchester
Character detail - November 1996.
"Wrekwiem" Event - The Sanctuary.
Milton Keynes.
One of the coldest events I've ever been to. Painting below -5° is not good.
"Inner City Stress and Suburban Boredom" by Mode 2- February 1995
Underpass mural project at Seacrest Drive, Duncraig.
For the City of Wanneroo, Perth, Western Australia.
Thanks for the flix go to Stormboy who was organiser of this project.
" Ten Years After " - 1994
Pressure Paint Festival - May 31 - June 2
The Custard Factory. Birmingham.
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| `Oh England, my Lionheart" |
"Malice in Yonderland" |
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Lille France |
Next to Futura |
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Thanks to Rough for the flix
" Passion " - 1988
Bridlington International Arts Festival.
Graffiti competition - 2nd place.
Bridlington.
" Chrome " - 1987
Bridlington International Arts Festival.
Graffiti competition - 1st place.
Bridlington.
click this geezer.. for page two of Mode 2
Go to the 400ml - Graffiti Site