He is one of the defining figures of the Hungarian Hip-Hop culture, who enriched the underground line mostly in Szeged through his passion for graffiti, but over the years he left his mark in several areas of the country. In the beginning, Mone wore the band-aid as a rebellious street kid, now he takes an active role in the graffiti subculture as a family man.

How long have you been painting?

In the winter of 1995, I sprayed real graffiti for the first time on the side of a 10-story block of flats in Szeged, Felsőváros, on which the inscription "Street" could be read.

Where did the stage name come from?

A teljes név Mone 78 Aerosol Fanatx olyan 23 éve született meg, ami a polgári nevem rövidítése, ugye Molnár Zsolt amiből jött a mindenki által ismert becenév a Monyó és ebből lett leegyszerűsítve a Mone.

How did your own style develop and what would you call it?

The style I represent is Wildstyle graffiti, the wilder the rawer. It took a lot of time and work to develop my current style.

Who or what inspired you most to create?

The first ones were the old writers from Szeged who initially left their mark on the seawall of the flood memorial, including WBG and LOG Crew, they painted the first layer of graffiti here in 1995. As well as Budapest writers such as PNC and GRW Crew are also motivated. At that time, I received a VHS tape on which the Style Wars The documentary presented the Western hip-hop culture of that time, which was also exemplary for me.

Is there a graffiti group you are a member of?

THA: Toy Hunter Army, which I invented in 1996. 

CRA: Creative Rebel Artist

Illegal or legal painting?

Legal.

Over the years, have you had any confrontations with the authorities?

At the very beginning, there were clashes with the police, at that time I didn't know if I was free or not, but since then I have turned to legal work because it costs less money.

What inspired you in the past and what still motivates you now?

The graffiti subculture itself and the whole hip-hop culture is what made me start and still do it today. The expression of creative freedom motivates me while painting a wall with friends over a beer.

Do you see graffiti as a hobby or a livelihood?

For me, both are a lifestyle. Of course, it took me a while to realize that it is possible to make money with this, but this is not my main priority, it is just a secondary thing. If someone else recognizes the value of this and is approached with a decoration job, I will gladly accept it. For me, graffiti is a form of self-expression.

The financial costs of making a drawing are quite expensive. How can you finance these?

I finance my individual works out of my own pocket, but most of the time I make my new works from paints left over after decor requests. The cost of making a drawing is around HUF 15-20,000, but this is something I don't regret spending money on. I always raised the chip for it, since this is my life.

Was there a part of your career that made you feel like you were quitting for good?

There were more difficult parts of my life, but I never put the pot down and that is the case to this day.

What would have happened if you didn't grab a can at the time? What would you do?

I would be a bartender in a pub...

What do you think about graffiti?

The miracle of life!

How do you see the current situation of the subculture here in Hungary?

This is how the subculture develops by 2020. There are some fucking smart kids, which I'm happy to see! There are good styles.

Most memorable blowout?

In Gödör Graff Jam 2019, we Szeged writers, artists from Debrecen, Győr and Pest said a worthy farewell to Gödör. Even AKPH rapper Saiid paid his respects by taking a photo together. That was a good experience!

What has this subculture given you over the years?

Self-knowledge and strength were part of my life. I solved a lot of problems with painting. I found myself in it!

What would you say to those who are just getting to know the genre?

First of all, don't try graffiti tricks on the boulevard, but sketch and draw on paper. Those who are just starting out have a much easier time than we did back then, because now thanks to the internet, they can go to YouTube and learn the techniques from the greats. Drawing is the first, and once we feel that our style is very professional, then the first members can come. Without the members, there is no graffiti, but only on the right walls!

Who would you like to thank for making you stick with your art?

Thanks to the entire THA and CRA Crew who helped with this. To all the people who inspired and helped me Pilot, Taga, Mad, Cz, Ben, WBG Crew, big PEACE to Suicidal Life Style For Bboy guys and of course for my family!