Straight outta Copenhagen, OEPS crew, were in Paris at the weekend, placing its unique “HAMA bead” street art around Oberkampf, Denfert-Rochereau and the Butte-aux-Cailles, with assistance from Underground Paris.
Artwork by Chiot (top) and Shepard Fairey in visual dialogue with OEPS’s work, positioned just above and to the right of the iconic Obey face. Like a Rorschach inkblot, Fairey’s Obey graphic invites passers-by to project their own interpretations, prompting reflection on authority, propaganda and the power of visual symbols and rooted in skate culture and punk rock.
Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris.
The crew, two women, long fascinated by graffiti, but who thought it would take too long to learn properly, live in Nørrebro (north Copehnagen), and since 2007 have been putting up their art outdoors to create complex conversations with the urban environment. The works are always made using Danish designed HAMA beads, suitable for ages three and up.
The beadaholic crew members, both in their thirties – one of whom is expecting a baby soon (hence our monkey-like assistance) – work out of a small apartment, ‘pearl office’, and construction of the artworks – some using as many as 150,000 beads – can be a true test of teamwork. The artworks are created by arranging the HAMA beads on peg boards which are then heat-glued together using baking paper and a household iron.
The OEPS name is officially an acronym for Øjne På Stilke (Eyes On Stalks).
facebook.com/oeps-crew-100063766027872
First publication date: 9 April, 2013
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