Denst: “The young hands aerosol”

                                                           Self-portrait of Denst

Between drug trafficking and constant danger, Jeampierre Denmark or "Denst", as is known, knew get ahead. Today is one of the most renowned graffiti artists of Santiago. Besides being in several walls of the capitol, his paintings have become part of Adidas Originals and some restaurants. It was even published a book of his works. "Do not see why the Mona Lisa couldn't also be exposed in the streets," says Denst, convinced that no exist a single language.

by Williamson Catalán Maldonado and Paolo Villagrán Lara

The life of Jeampierre Denmark has not been easy. Grew in Conchalí, a sector with obvious social risk, surrounded by crime and drug trafficking. He knew the painting at age 4 by a guy who did murals. However, it was not until the 16 who decided to take to the streets. Today, with 24 years behind him, “Denst”, known as "the young hands of aerosol", used the graffiti to pay for his studies of art and visual culture at the University ARCIS.

Gradually, Jean Pierre or “Denst”, Armando has been a name in the world of national graffiti and also out of this. Customers of the local "Portal Corner", next to the Plaza de Armas in Santiago, never again felt like returning to the place that serves classic complete, landholders and hams. "The young hands aerosol" left his mark forever; four nights, several cans of spray and inspiration ended in a huge mural that today leaves no one indifferent. The same thing happened in the Giratorio, an exclusive restaurant of Providencia.

 –Some time ago you painted on the premises of Tutto Pollo restaurant and in the Giratorio. Do you think that this indicates some acceptance of your work by society?

I think people in general, when it knows what background includes painting in the streets, the more widely accepted. It often happens that when people think in graffiti, links it with stripes or property damage. The work to which I have been called by people who know the work I do, and they respect to do it my way. I think it has been well accepted what I do, at least the people I've worked with has told me he likes the painting once it is completed.

 –As you have painted in pubs and restaurants, many graffiti artists perform their works with permission of owners or exhibit their work in art galleries. Do you think that with actions you lose the essence of graffiti? Why?

Sometimes prefer more the adrenaline and challenge. But there are times when it is better to paint more slowly and calmly; authorized or unauthorized is a painted wall. The rest is an added value. And it is also important the sense of painting. I think wherever you are, the graffiti or whatever that is painted, going on what you feel, and that goes beyond that is illegal or not. Do not see why the Mona Lisa couldn't also be exposed in the streets too.

 –And in that sense, what benefits brings the graffiti to cities like Valparaiso?

Valparaiso is a place where even foreigners go because it's full of graffitis. That gives a plus, because the street painting is taking its rightful place and begins to be valued as such. Even a German friend told me that one of the things that he like about Valparaíso are precisely the murals. And that's a good thing to Valparaiso or anywhere: that same people outside the world of graffiti it is valued more.

 –Do you think there is any way to bring ordinary people with the graffiti? How?

Sure, the same street, the large mural projects, the graffiti workshops, the same reports from magazines, television, or newspapers (the well focused, of course).  Everything serves as an intermediary to the people. Many times, the distance is just ignorance. Grace nor is attack to the people or who says graffiti are pure stripes, but to show them what we do and open him to paint for all, not only for who know about this. Painting is freedom and, therefore, it is always good to share.

 –Finally, what would you say to those who wants engage in graffiti? Is it something you would recommend? Why?

The that health care and using masks or something. Later, to strive and not frustrated for learn everything fast, the spray paint is something that takes practice and experience, and that comes only with time. And the other, thoroughly observe everything around them, going with a book everywhere and practice all shapes they see.  See animated films, of science fiction, etc.