(Dane Knudsen: Courtesy DUT website)
Dane
Knudsen, a DUT graphic design Master of Technology student, flies to New York
City in the United States of America (USA) today (October 20) for a one-week
mentorship with an international hip hop artist.
Knudsen,
who is the champion of the 2012 Sprite Uncontainable Hip Hop Talent Search in
the graffiti category, has earned himself a rare opportunity to be mentored by
hip hop great, Talib Kweli. Accompanying him on his trip will be the winners of
the emcee and dance categories.
“Stops”,
as the graffiti artist’s moniker goes, is eager to head to the Big Apple: “Winning
this competition counts as further affirmation for what I do (graffiti). More
importantly, it is the opportunity to visit New York which is widely acclaimed
as the birthplace of graffiti, the mecca of hip hop and to me, the place that
most of the musicians I listen to come from”, said Knudsen, adding that he
hopes to gain more inspiration and influence from this trip.
Knudsen
did not know what to expect when his friend suggested that they audition for a
“graffiti battle” held at the Bat Centre in Durban. At the time, neither of
them had a clear idea of what the competition entailed nor its magnitude. But
learning more about the competition and the prizes enticed Knudsen, as well as
emerging triumphant in the challenge.
The
overall theme for the graffiti category, Uncontainable,
coincided with the name of the challenge. The first round of the competition
was flexible and allowed artists to express their creative flair. However, the
last two rounds more challenging as artists were expected to follow specific
competition rules and execute particular tasks.
The
competition was an enjoyable experience that came with its pressures
simultaneously. “I had the most stress before the finals,” Knudsen said. “This
was because my competition was a friend of mine from Durban who goes by the
name Dokter. We have painted against and with each other on various occasions
and I knew his capabilities. He has beaten me before in other battles
Asked
what he attributes his victory to, Knudsen counted his “experiences and
influences gained through studying”; an ironic response for someone who
initially had not considered studying Graphic Design. He feels at home when
spray-painting and is determined to take his craft to new frontiers. “I hope to
paint big walls around the world,” he said.
After
completing his Master’s degree, he intends to continue his part-time lecturing
career, imparting his knowledge to the first year drawing class.
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