Unframed event

Can you explain what is Unframed?
Seyar: Un-framed is a platform that showcases the roots and origins of graffiti to people. Many modern writers are not familiar with the graffiti culture from the 1970s and 1980s, but I started my journey with graffiti back in ’84. My inspiration comes from iconic documentaries like Beat Street, Style Wars, and Subway Art, as well as an exhibition in Helmond that showcased New York graffiti. I believe that every writer should know where it all started, so we can appreciate how far the art form has come.
Our goal at Un-framed is to highlight the evolution of graffiti, from where it started to where it is now, and everything in between. That’s why we curate a diverse lineup of artists from different eras and countries, both old-school legends and contemporary writers. At every edition, we aim to have at least four old-school legends and a mix of artists from now and then, showcasing and selling their work.
The idea for Un-framed initially started small, with T-kid 170 in Paris asking me to do a wall with CP.5 part and Wuze. But it quickly grew, and in 2018, the first edition was held. I met Arjan, and we shared the same passion for the project. Later, Vincent joined us, and we presented the idea to him. He was just as enthusiastic as we were and had a great location in Heerlen Vossenkuilweg (De Kissel), where Un-framed is now held.

What was the reason behind “Unframed”?
After collaborating with Arjan and gathering a team, we were faced with the challenge of finding a suitable name for our project. We had assembled a group of talented individuals, but still no name that captured the essence of what we were trying to achieve. In my opinion, a concept must come before the name.
Fortunately, one of our team members provided a list of names, and after careful consideration, one name immediately caught my eye. Un-framed. It perfectly encapsulated what we were trying to accomplish – an event that combined elements of a gallery with a raw, urban, and street vibe. We wanted to provide an experience similar to a gallery, but with an edgier, more authentic feel.
Un-framed is a place where you can browse, visit, and buy art without the pretentiousness often associated with galleries. Here, everything is accessible, and there are no hidden costs or surprises. We wanted to create a platform that celebrated the art form and showcased its evolution.
What are you looking for with Unframed?
I am hopeful that Unframed will materialize into the vision we have in mind – a multi-day event that caters to everyone from collectors to ordinary people, ensuring accessibility to all. Our primary goal is to provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, promote sales and attract potential customers for the future. Our focus lies on creating an environment where people can connect with their idols and negotiate deals for themselves. It is essential that artists can earn a living from their work, and I believe the time for it is now. The acceptance of street art is growing wider and becoming more socially accepted than ever before. The ones in power, who grew up with graffiti on the streets, are now the rule-makers of the land. Unframed aims to display the evolution of graffiti over the years and the various art currents that have emerged.
How has the progress of Unframed been so far, and what is the duration of the event?
While we acknowledge that there is always room for improvement, we can take satisfaction in the number of visitors we received and works that were sold during the second edition of the event. It is important to remember that this is only the beginning and with time, we can strive towards making it even better. The event spanned over 9 days, with numerous tours and schools attending throughout the week.

Can you provide an overview of this nine-day event?
The event kicks off on the first weekend with the opening ceremony on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors have the opportunity to interact with the artists, some of whom may be working on the jam. The jam has been newly added to showcase the visitors’ favorite works. Occasionally, towards the end of the week, there may be artists who prefer not to show their faces in public but have their works on display for the public, including schools and guided tour groups. The closing weekend is always a spectacular event, with both indoor and outdoor installations featuring works from a variety of lesser-known artists.
What has been the public’s response or reception to this particular event or happening?
The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with no negative feedback thus far. The line-ups for the event are exceptional, providing visitors with an experience that surpasses what they can find elsewhere.
Local authorities must be happy to have a cultural event in their city?
Absolutely. I started organizing the event last year without any external support. However, this year, I have received a small budget for the next three years, which is set to increase as the cultural leader of the province has shown great enthusiasm for our project. As we are not appointed to organize this event, we are personally invested in its success, which makes us even more motivated and dedicated. I am resolute in my commitment to the event, and I expect the same level of dedication from everyone involved, regardless of whether they are paid or not. Individuals who hinder our progress or have personal interests at stake are not welcome and will be banned from the project.
