Personal Background

My name is Kevin Skott, also known by my graffiti name Sumaone. I was born in Salzgitter Bad, Lower Saxony, in West Germany. My journey into the world of art began in childhood, as I enjoyed sketching like many children. However, my serious interest in art blossomed around the age of 11 or 12, significantly influenced by visits to museums with my grandparents. Despite having a high school diploma, I chose not to attend college. Instead, I enrolled in a local art school in Hannover, which provided me with invaluable guidance and helped me navigate the complex art world. Growing up as a working-class kid presented its challenges, but the internet has played a crucial role in breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities for me.

Artistic Journey

My journey as an artist began with the discovery of graffiti in 1997 or 1998. Along with two friends, I formed a crew called DBK “Die Bahn Lackierer.” Although we didn’t paint on trains, our passion for graffiti grew as we painted walls at night. This period marked the beginning of my deep connection with graffiti. As a teenager, I was introduced to comic artists like Moebius, Todd McFarlane, Bob Kane, and Neil Gaiman, which further fueled my interest in art. Discovering an art book by HR Giger was a turning point, marking my first contact with what I considered “real” art. This was followed by an interest in surrealists like Salvador Dali and Yves Tanguy. Despite my varied influences, my love for graffiti has remained a constant driving force in my artistic journey.

My major influences include graffiti, comics, and films. Directors such as Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien), Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Taxi Driver), Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men), Jim Jarmusch (Ghost Dog), and Takeshi Kitano (Zatoichi) have significantly inspired my work. Additionally, graffiti artists like Loomit, Seen, Dare, OsGemeos, Kane, Poet62, Akim, and Zasd have left a lasting impact on my style. Over the years, my art style has evolved to become cleaner and more detailed, better reflecting my thinking process and artistic vision.

Art Mediums and Techniques

I am always open to experimenting with different mediums. My primary tools are spray cans and pen & paper. In recent years, I have also delved into photography, using a mirror and film camera for the past 10 years and a mirrorless camera for the last 5 years. My creative process typically begins with a sketch using a lead pencil. I then decide on the colors and apply them to the medium, whether it be paper or canvas. For spray can art, I focus on legal walls to express my creativity.

Exhibitions and Projects

I have been fortunate to participate in several notable exhibitions throughout my career:

• “Graffiti im Süd-Ost-Teil”: Vernissage, 22.10.1999, Silo1, Töging (Bayern)
• “Der aufgebrachte Mob”: Exhibition, 10.06-09.07.2001, Feierwerk München
• “This is for losers”: Exhibition, 24.05-14.06.2013, SDW-Neukölln, Pflügerstr. 11, 12047 Berlin
• Illustrative Berlin ’19: International Illustration Forum, 16.10-01.11.2019

Achievements and Recognition

I received the 1st place award for the “Don’t drink and drive” campaign in 2000, which was a significant milestone in my career. I have exhibited my work for various institutions between 2003 and 2007, receiving mostly positive critiques. My art has been featured in daily newspapers such as the “Hannover Allgemeine Zeitung” and on the “Berlin Art Parasites” website. I was a featured artist at the “Clash” exhibition in the city hall of Hannover and have been mentioned in numerous art catalogues.

Personal Insights

My motivations stem from different life events and my passion for sports, particularly road cycling. During my weekend bike trips, I often find inspiration for my art. My advice to aspiring artists is to persist with their work and not be influenced by others’ opinions, as long as criticism is constructive. Looking to the future, I see my art evolving into AI and VR, though I remain skeptical about the usefulness of AI for the future of different art disciplines.

Impact and Legacy

I hope my art inspires viewers and I wish to be remembered not as a genius or a romanticized “poor” artist, but as an artist with good intentions and an inspiration for future generations. The best thing an artist can do, in my opinion, is to spread hope and make the world a little less hopeless and more colorful, more livable for all kinds of people.

In conclusion, my artistic journey is one of continuous growth and exploration. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of my creativity and leaving a lasting impact through my work.