The scent of spray paint still clings to Sascha Siebdrat, even at 54. Known to the street art world as Vaine, he’s a legend in his own right, a quiet force who once made headlines in 1995 for creating what was then the world’s tallest graffiti. Today, in his atelier on Süderquerweg in Kirchwerder, Bergedorf, the air is thick with creativity, not just paint fumes. His hands, though a little more weathered, still move with the familiar grace of an artist who has spent decades transforming urban canvases.
The Legend of the Tallest Graffiti
For many, Vaine’s name is inextricably linked to that monumental piece from 1995. It was a statement, a defiant splash of color and form against the grey backdrop of a city. “People remember that one,” Vaine reflects, a slight smile playing on his lips. “It put me on the map, for sure. But it was never just about being the tallest. It was about making a mark, about showing what street art could be.”
That single act of artistic audacity cemented his place in the annals of street art history, a testament to his vision and daring. It was a time when graffiti was still largely misunderstood, often dismissed as vandalism. Vaine, however, saw it as a legitimate art form, a way to communicate, to provoke thought, and to beautify overlooked spaces.
From Public Spectacle to Private Atelier
Today, the scale of his work might have shifted, but the passion remains undimmed. His atelier in Kirchwerder is a sanctuary, a place where ideas take shape before finding their way onto walls across Hamburg and beyond. Here, canvases lean against walls, sketches are tacked to boards, and the vibrant hues of countless spray cans stand ready for their next transformation.
“It’s different now,” he muses, gesturing around the studio. “The pressure is off, in a way. I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore. I’m just creating. And that’s a freedom in itself.” This shift from large-scale public installations to more intimate, often commissioned works, reflects a natural evolution in his artistic journey.
Embracing the Passage of Time
At 54, Vaine carries his age with a casual coolness, a quiet confidence that only comes with experience. He’s seen trends come and go, witnessed the evolution of street art from a rebellious subculture to a celebrated form of public expression. “The scene has changed so much,” he observes. “When I started, it was all about anonymity, about getting your name up. Now, it’s more accepted, more commercialized.”
Does he miss the old days? “Sometimes,” he admits. “There was a raw energy then, a sense of danger and excitement. But there’s also a beauty in seeing how far it’s come, how many young artists are out there pushing boundaries.” He remains a mentor to many, an elder statesman whose wisdom is sought after by the new generation of sprayers.
The Search for New Canvases
Vaine is still actively seeking new spaces, new walls that can tell a story. He believes that every blank surface holds the potential for art, a chance to inject color and life into the urban landscape. “It’s not just about painting,” he explains. “It’s about finding the right wall, the right message, the right moment. It’s a conversation between the art and the environment.”
His current projects often involve collaborations with local communities, bringing art directly to the people. He’s moved beyond simply tagging, now focusing on murals that reflect the identity and aspirations of the neighborhoods they inhabit. These works are often vibrant, intricate, and deeply meaningful, transforming mundane walls into captivating visual narratives.
A Legacy in the Making
Sascha Siebdrat, or Vaine, is more than just a sprayer; he’s a chronicler of urban life, a silent poet whose verses are painted on brick and concrete. His journey from a young artist making a global statement to a seasoned veteran still pushing the boundaries of his craft is a testament to the enduring power of passion and creativity.
As he continues to create, seeking out new “free surfaces” in Hamburg and beyond, Vaine reminds us that art is not confined to galleries or museums. It lives on the streets, in the unexpected corners of our cities, a constant dialogue between the artist, the environment, and the people who encounter it. And even at 54, Vaine is still very much a part of that conversation, still cool, still relevant, still spraying stories for all to see.
Source: https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/bergedorf/article411269610/mit-54-noch-immer-cool-sprayer-vaine-sucht-freie-flaechen.html
