LA's new Montana (graffiti) paint store...Ma'claim and Risk

Although the new Montana store has been open for a couple of months last night was the official "opening."

Montana sounds American, but I was told it's German, so it was no surprise some of the German graffiti crew were in the house. Parked outside was a truck called the "Mobile Mural Lab." And painted on the right panel was Ma'claim's (Akut, Tasso, Case, Rusk) photorealistic work. On the left panel was Risk's piece.

Ma'claim, Germany

Risk, WCA Los Angeles

 LA's Graff O.G.s I don't know many of the graffiti names in LA, but I did recognize Slick and Risk.

Pic borrowed from Slick's blog

 Live and Direct Supported by LA Art Machine, Ma'claim will be painting live today at the Gothe-Institut Los Angeles which is the German cultural center that hosted another hip hop event this year, the screening of Florian Gaag's Whole Train film. There's also a panel discussion with Retna and Tom Kummer (who I don't know much about.) Read more about Ma'claim at their blog.

"AKUT, TASSO, CASE and RUSK a.k.a. MA’CLAIM have managed to paint their way up to the very top of the international Graffiti scene in no time.  The crew from the former GDR has breathed fresh air into the world of graffiti writing due to their peerless workmanship of a mix of classic graffiti and photorealism.

Their extraordinary productions have set new impulses within the scene. Ma’Claim have attracted an international fan community and are an inspirational source for other graffiti artists. 

Individual members Case and Akut ( one half of the duo "Herakut") already had solo exhibitions at renown galleries in Los Angeles, this is their first visit and collaboration in Los Angeles with the crew." Goethe-Institut

On the move Although there's no website yet you can read about the Mobile Mural Lab here.

"Providing communities with visual space...Free of charge...No permit required."