l’Original

For people who don’t know you, who are you?

The Original is first and foremost a character with round glasses, a cap and braces whose mission is to save the world with creativity. This character was born in 2014 when I started creating immersive installations in disused places in Berlin. Since then it has become my alter ego and the stage name for me and my partner Julie Handloser.

How did you get into art?

Imagining, developing, creating and dreaming have always been my nature. I am a big dreamer and very curious about all disciplines. Looking at graffiti on my way to school always fascinated me until the day I did my first graffiti under a bridge. This was the decisive moment to create and share my dream world. It was my new means of expression. Regarding my specific interest in public art, the discovery of the works of Niki de Saint Phalle, Christo and Jeanne Claude have were important for me. They knew how to create art for the public, children and adults alike.

How is the work distributed between the two of you?

I started the universe under the name ORIGINAL in 2007. In 2019 I met Julie with whom I felt the need to share my artistic ideas. From the beginning she was very receptive to my universe and we were very aligned. Therefore, we decided to work together. We immediately realised that we were complementary on the way of working and realizing large scale projects. Both of us want to change and transform the world into positive energy. That is to say, to transmit a reaction, a feeling that gives a smile and well-being. I had also published in a comic book in 2017- The Original Master – Ity, the pink pill. Unity is strength.

The places that choose us

It is the short of life that chooses the locations. We do not choose the cities or the spaces, it is the places who come to us and who need us.

Behind each work is a great deal of preparation and development so that the universe follows the story already made. Each project is unique and requires specific preparation.

Do you have a favourite piece?

I couldn’t select a specific creation, all the creations are so unique and part of a well defined artistic universe that I wished to share with the world. No matter where I go, I always find beautiful inspiration. Berlin, Malta or Switzerland are places that have been super inspiring for me. You also asked me if I have a dream place where I’d like to realize my work and the truth is, not in particular. I like to go with the flow and travel according to people’s needs. What I want is to be able to paint murals around the world to spread my positive message as much as possible. I like change and adventure.

Large installations convey a feeling of ecstasy, of never having seen anything like that before. It’s important for me to create a unique and extraordinary experience.