As an artist with practically an alphabet for a name, it’s fitting that Max Unterhaslberger hones in on one’s signature as a basis for art.
“When handed a pen, what would people write?” he asks. “I think the most common thing is their name. Everything humans do is graffiti — essentially putting your mark on something.”
Unterhaslberger is putting his theory to practice this summer as a graffiti arts instructor at Elementz youth center in Over-the-Rhine. Before picking up spray paint, students sketch with ballpoint pen on paper, often writing stylized versions of their names.
At age 21, Unterhaslberger has come full circle after taking graffiti classes at Elementz as a teen. As Elementz’s members find outlets for their creativity and plot their careers, Unterhaslberger says this summer is one of transition for him, too.
Max Unterhaslberger’s graffiti class takes place Tuesday afternoons at ELEMENTZ. More info: elementz.org.
This article appears in Jun 17-23, 2015.