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Vice Blog

RIO - SPETO SPEAKS

Graffiti got boring. Even typing the word is tedious. The scene (sneaker geeks breakdancing to Beastie Boys and worshipping Banksy) spawns yawns in London and New York. But what about paint sprayed on the streets of different countries with different influences? We wanted to find out if graffiti was less boring in Brazil so while we were in Rio with the Brahma beer guys, we met Speto, a local aerosol artist. We talked as he sprayed over a work he'd sprayed the previous night.

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Hi Speto!
*Listening to his iPod. Takes off his headphones*

You're not listening to the Beastie Boys are you?
Yes!

I bet Wild Style changed your life and you geek out about sneakers too.
In Brazil it was very hard to buy shoes so we had to create our own. We painted our shoes as Vans. We'd find white sneakers at the Salvation Army store and then we'd paint small squares or flames on them. We spent weeks working on them.

What's life like in Brazil?
In Brazil people have different views on their body. There is a sensuality here that is very natural.


We met Speto in Lapa, Rio's arty quarter.

Why do all the guys here wear Speedos?
In Brazil we call them sungas. First you need to set the clock: six o'clock, three o'clock or nine o'clock. Never midday! Other people can do what they want but I will never wear sungas. I hate the way they stick up your ass. But in Rio it's relaxed, hot and sunny. If you put big shorts on you'll have white legs and a white ass.

We hear Brazil can get pretty rough. When did you last get into a fight?
At a concert my friend's band played at. The crowd turned crazy. About 200 people tried to invade the stage and steal the instruments and equipment. But we managed to defend the stage and win the fight. We had huge security guys and the band's manager was this tall, strong guy.


This is like The Old Blue Last of Brazil

What's the worst fight you've had with your parents?
One time we were on a farm in the countryside. I made a mess of my room and my dad was very angry. He slapped me. I went out into the gardens and brought back lots of beautiful fruits for my father. I gave them to him and said, "Please Papa, don't be angry with me." He started to cry.

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I'm starting to cry myself. One last question: if you could have one superpower what would it be?
I'd have rubber body parts. Then I could stretch my arms to reach up to high walls where I want to spray.


This is the original piece that Speto sprayed over.


This is what the new piece ended up like.


These guys were just hanging out playing dominos.

*Many thanks to Brahma for hooking us up with the interview*