He is a graffiti artist from Debrecen Upik his style was born from his love of character drawing and comic books. His motivation used to be the street and corrupt members, but now he does it all consciously.

How long have you been painting?

2006-2007 was probably the year when I made a chrome CASPER drawing for the street, but I would associate the actual active painting with the name Upik, which I have been writing since 2013.

Where did the stage name come from?

This is a very simple question. Anyone who knows me personally knows my nickname and it's the reverse of that. It's Kipu, isn't it, and that's where Upik came from. 

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

It was the love of character drawing and comic books that started it all. It is, how would I call it… um… maybe figurative art.

Who or what inspired you most to create?

Those who inspire me now are no longer in the domestic sphere, so I would mention among the first MEAR ONE and Dracko Velasco, as well as a writer to whom I owe a lot of inspiration...and he is none other than GRAHAM HANCOCK. 

Is there a graffiti group you are a member of?

Actually, two Ruined Homeland and the ALL CAPS COLLECTIVE. Both memberships are still a surprise to me, because I never wanted to be part of a team... however, it is an absolute honor to be able to color two such strong and versatile teams with my form... 

Illegal or legal painting?

Legal painting.

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

Actually, it was a run, but not a major confrontation or a confession.

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

It used to be absolutely the street and the Romlott members... Thanks to my roller-skating past, I was on the street a lot, and usually the events of my time in Debrecen ended up at Romlott House parties, so that's where the old friendship with the members came from. If I have to mention names, it would be MENETEN and LINO, the inspiring figures of the wallpaper/sticker era /2009-2012. As for the painted characters from here, ZOEL, MONE and RAPA, and big names from abroad such as HOMBRE, GENT48 and PACO SANCHEZ. And what motivates me even now, after my answer in question 4, I would briefly add the words desire for freedom, knowledge, equality, justice and love...

Do you see graffiti as a hobby or a livelihood?

Absolutely as a hobby…. and sometimes my hobby is my job, and for that I am very grateful to the HEAVENS. This is not my main source of income, as I illustrate and design graphics, but it is always a great pleasure when a scene painting or other mural job slips in.

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

I finance the creation of my drawings entirely out of my own pocket. I don't have a contractual sponsor, but I would definitely mention ALL CAPS COLLECTIVE and LOOP COLORS HUNGARYT, because I always get a discount as a team member. 

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

If I stop graffiti, I'll say it's done. Since I don't often come up with illegal graffiti anymore, I respect the exception. As for whether it occurred to me to put the can down, I have to say that this happens every time I paint, because if I run out or change colors, I immediately put down what I have in my hand/HA-HA-HA/, but kidding aside it didn't occur to me, in fact... I've reached the point where I want to slowly give my face to decorating with the aerosol technique.

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

In fact, with the same thing, that is, with visual culture, drawing, perhaps with a touch of farming.

What do you think about graffiti?

Graffiti remains graffiti, I don't consider it legal mural art at all. For me, graffiti, as it started back then, must be an illegal drawing in any way in order to talk about graffiti.

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

We are absolutely lagging behind, the story is not yet so accepted here. Looking at Debrecen, we are behind internationally and nationally as far as mural art is concerned. So it's time for the city to have a place for artistic values on a mural level!!! 

Most memorable blowout?

A chrome character head and a whole night alone, stuck here and there in the bushes in the yard part of the Central Line Northolt station...  

What has this subculture given you over the years?

Lots of friends and lots of memorable happy moments!
      /more than words/

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

First of all, learn to draw, by yourself or at school, it's up to you. Do not listen to anyone except those who provide you with professional and technical advice. But what they should represent in terms of style, in which direction they should go there, is never up to anyone but themselves. Try to be self-identified and do not want to run until you have mastered stable walking as such.

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

Thanks to IKOK a.k.a. 210, MISTER DIE, SONNY KRAFT, DREG... If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be so involved in this sphere of hip hop, graffiti and mural painting. But, of course, thanks to my family, all my teammates, the ALL CAPS family, and all those who placed a trust in me that I am still trying to grow up to this day.