We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raphael Grischa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raphael below.

Alright, Raphael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Life adheres to norms, but some dare to defy. Independent paths, though challenging, yield rich rewards. Like painting graffiti under the moonlight. The thrill lies in preparation, the race against time. Urban walls become canvases, silent witnesses to their secret artistry. Yet, danger lurks. Police patrols and rival crews guard their turf. The artist tiptoes through this labyrinth, leaving their mark—a testament to audacity.

Art will always mirror society. It pushes boundaries, amplifies whispers, and challenges norms. Appreciation may wane, support may elude, but artists persist. They sense what’s amiss, what yearns for expression. Their strokes echo societal dissonance.
Bravery fuels this journey. When misunderstood, persist. The pressure—unyielding—cracks open possibilities. An audience gathers, lives change, and art transforms.

Paint your truth, rebel against the ordinary. Let audacity be your muse. For in quiet hours, your strokes resonate—a testament to creation’s indomitable spirit.

Raphael , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My passion for the arts blossomed through graffiti and the Hip Hop culture. In the early 2000s, rap gained mainstream prominence and became a global phenomenon, alongside other elements of this subculture like graffiti, breakdancing, and DJing. Even in my small Swiss village, this subculture inspired me to sketch letters, characters, and tags wherever I went—on buses, trains, during travels.

As time went on, my friends and I organized our own events, designed flyers, and printed our own clothes in public workshops. However, back then, it was hard to imagine that rappers could achieve the same level of fame as someone like Michael Jackson, or that a graffiti artist could attract an audience akin to Picasso’s. Art schools and universities were often unsupportive of this new and raw culture.

Feeling creatively unfulfilled, I decided to follow my intuition and left my studies and apprenticeship behind. My journey led me to Berlin, the graffiti and creative hub of Europe. There, I immersed myself in the ever-expanding rap and music industry, witnessing how various fields converged beyond just music. Videography, graphic design, stage design, merchandise, and fashion—all intertwined with business insights. Label deals, brand collaborations, and bookings opened up new possibilities that exceeded my teenage imagination of how to make money with art.
In Berlin, I honed my skills further. I created cover art, logos, and animated GIFs. I delved into video editing, directed music videos, and crafted storyboards. Simultaneously, I pushed the boundaries of my personal art through exhibitions, mural paintings, and experimentation with different mediums and materials. Over time, I developed a unique style that reflected my artistic evolution.

Up to this point, I have collaborated with some of the most prominent German musicians. This newfound confidence propelled me to reach even further, leading me to connect with individuals in Los Angeles. After a few visits, I became deeply entrenched in the street art scene there, creating several large murals that garnered significant exposure. These experiences opened doors to group exhibitions, a recent art residency, placements in TV series, media recognition, and most importantly, meaningful friendships.

My artistic journey remains fluid and undefined by my portfolio alone. I recognize that significant challenges lie ahead, shaping my path and clarifying my purpose. As I navigate these uncharted waters, my creativity continues to expand, branching out in various directions. This adaptability is fueled by a diverse skill set and a spirit of connection.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I believe we must accept that certain expectations may never materialize. Additionally, my personal success need not mirror that of another person’s success.

We often gravitate toward successful individuals, aspiring to be close to those who have “made it.” Interacting with company owners, record-selling artists, and other accomplished figures can boost confidence. However, I’ve also learned that some people misuse their power. They manipulate others, hinder their progress, and sometimes obstruct their goals and talents.
While it’s valuable to connect with successful individuals, it’s essential to maintain perspective.

Their achievements shouldn’t diminish our motivation. Instead, let’s channel our energy into becoming our own success stories. Success isn’t solely about wealth or fame; it encompasses building strong relationships, being a persistent parent, and maintaining mental and physical health, to name a few.
The journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s support each other, inspire more people, and use our knowledge to grow as artists and humans.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

In my case, the journey was all about building a global network with like-minded individuals. Creativity acted as my passport, opening doors wherever I traveled. I painted walls in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, worked in Tokyo, and received invitations to abandoned spaces hidden from the public eye. There’s an enchanting magic behind art—a magic born from intense experiences and raw emotions. When we channel these into our art, it can captivate, heal, and ignite debates that resonate for centuries.

Becoming an artist aligns you with historic figures, but the path ahead remains uncertain. Our progress can lead us to unexpected places, impacting not only our present but also future generations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: el_grischa
• Other: www.grischa.shop https://youtu.be/IBiVEFHTZAo?si=QlPv8vH97zTDGirI https://genius.com/artists/Raphael-grischa

Image Credits
Berkay Akpolat Che2a