Media FEAtures
Graffiti Futurism with Grabster
Inspired by video game imagery, as well as artists like Escher and Dalí, Brazilian-born Marcus Grabster has become one of Miami's most sought-after muralists. Over the course of three days, Marcus draws on his bold color palette and signature "Graffiti Futurism" style to build his mural-- a tribute to the wide variety of creative people on OF. Before the final unveiling, Marcus tours Miami's art district and the many walls in it where he's left his mark.
Art. Culture. Talent.
As a featured artist in the independent art and culture publication, ACT Magazine, Marcus’ work was showcased in a multi-page essay.
“Art in many forms has always been a way to flex, no matter the crowd he’s with. Mostly self-taught out of necessity, Grabster developed his skills in his own neighborhood. “It was me and all the other poor kids, but we didn’t know we were poor—we just made it work. It’s the history of hip-hop.” They taught themselves breakdancing from watching street performers, videos on MTV and VHS tapes. And he worked on his art, studying comic books, drawing ninja turtles, transformers, and obsessing over the letterwork he saw on the subways. He credits graffiti for his greatest growth as an artist, “If it wasn’t for graffiti, I wouldn’t be doing large-scale art.” Whether it was painting characters on freights or getting to the best spot, Grabster recognizes the values he learned from the underground world. “It made people uncomfortable,” he said, referring to the art on subway cars and city buildings, “I liked it. It was provocative and showed a lack of authority. Who is responsible for this?” He saw graffiti as a way to leave his mark and let people know I’m here. I’m everywhere.”
That’s More Like It, a project in collaboration with Bavaria Brewing, features Grabster as he discusses art, getting your name seen far and wide, and spreading a little positivity.
Capturing movement in letters
Collaborating with Graffiti Television and Bombing Science, Grabster shows off his skilled work in graffiti, the foundation of his craft, and speaks to his varied influences, from b-boying to the nostalgia of old school video games.
In Whatever Drives You, a collaboration with Stoli Vodka, Grabster talks carrying on the traditions of graffiti all while painting his own story.