About…
Manuel: I grew up in the countryside in Liège (Belgium). I’ve always enjoyed contemplating things, explorations, adventures and drawing. I met Boris and Jerome through graffiti, or through friends that were into graffiti. We became Pica Pica as a result of natural selection and maturing (like cheese).
Boris: I grew up in Liége too but downtown, near the central station. I was into skateboarding, street culture, hanging around with a bunch of teen pals, visiting places and exploring my city. I got into graffiti around ‘92 and became more enthusiastic with and about it. I’ve probably spent half of my life doing it. I met my best friends through it. They are now brothers and also Pica Pica.
Jerome: I also grew up in the countryside of Liege. We had a house with a big garden, chickens, ducks, sheep and our neighbour had a farm with lots of animals (even horses). At that time I was really into nature observation, hikes and that kind of stuff. Later I moved to Liege and lived by myself. I met Manuel and then Boris through people at art school. They were into graffiti. I wasn’t (at that time). The years that followed were full of parties, drinks, friends, tags and the beginning of art shows in galleries. We did a few shows with four people from our graffiti crew and in 2007 we thought it would be easier to split, some went on to do parties and music and we did Pica Pica.
For love and money…
M: I do art activities with children during the holidays and I’m at school studying to be an art teacher.
B: I’m working on some artistic projects with children and teenagers. And like Manuel, I’m also training to be an art teacher.
J: I do illustration for advertising and that kind of stuff. It’s very different from what I do with Pica Pica, it’s all computer drawing but I like it too.
Learning…
M: By observing, thinking (or not), analysing and doing things.
B: Through exchanging skills with people, I guess, and experience. Trying to work things out on my own too.
J: Travelling and meeting people and the internet, of course.
Young life…
M: I’ve always loved gazing at things, adventures, drawing, building and making things. Other than leaving Lego and basketball behind, nothing has changed.
B: I was a curious child and spent most of my time outside, always playing, meeting friends, cycling, exploring empty houses and spooky places. I think it’s kind of the same now – not that far from childhood – spending time outdoors and dreaming as much as I can.
J: I into Lego and drawing (the two best things in the world). And like I said, I was into nature, observing animals, making fires, sleeping in tents… that kind of stuff. I’m still really into all that but it’s harder to find the time to do it.
Current projects…
M : Pica Pica Interiors.
B: Yeah, Pica Pica Interiors!
J: Lots of ideas for new shows and applying for artist residencies.
Pica Pica pros and cons…
M: Like I said ‘I’ve always loved gazing at things, adventures, drawing, building, making things’ and I hate not being able to do so for various reasons.
B: The energy of ‘doing’ is unbelievable. It’s so strong and positive but then sometimes, not necessary always, there is a depression that accompanies it.
J: I like the total freedom of it, like you really can do anything you want without anybody telling you that’s not the way you should do it. What I don’t like is that it’s very difficult (almost impossible) to make a living from it.
Affected by the environment they grew up in…
M: Totally
B: Yes sir!
J: Of course, but I think it’s the same for anyone doing anything.
Encouragement…
M: From family and some of my friends.
B: Sure! I thank both my parents for letting me do what I wanted to do.
J: Yes, I have to say that my parents always supported my choices. And almost all of my friends are somehow involved with art – we’re in the same boat.
Family…
M: Italian/Belgian family. Totally.
B: There were already artists in my family so it probably affected me in some way. My parents are not artists themselves and I think the art world is strange for them.
J: Well, my parents were kind of hippies, very cool and open-minded. They never stressed me with ‘you have to go to university’ or ‘you have to make money’ and that kind of stuff.
Best advice received…
M: To be honest.
B: Wake up!!
J: Seule l’action libère.
Collections…
M: Paintings and art objects.
B: Nothing.
J: Hmmm, my apartment is full of stupid useless things but I don’t collect anything. My father used to collect a lot of things (like beer glasses or stamps) and it’s something I never understood. It frightened me a bit – why the hell do you have to own ALL the stamps ever made by the Republic of Congo? Some years ago I was really into flea markets, buying old toys and folk art for cheap (I have crates full) but now I’m aspiring to a more minimal way of living, like just owing a table, a chair, some books and records, my computer and my bike.
Inspiration…
M: Adventures, Explorations, Contemplation, Construction.
B: Biking.
J: Travelling, it’s always the best way to refresh your mind. Even the shortest bike tour is perfect for that. Seeing a good movie, reading a good book and seeing a nice exhibition are very powerful sources of inspiration too.
Favourite things…
M: Liege, neighbourhoods, countryside, forests, music, Miroslav Sasek, ‘Le trèfle’ collection, the internet and my bike.
B: I am good in Liege, it’s great but I also like Berlin a lot, it’s a place I really feel. And I cannot survive without music. I listen to music all day, except when I am sleeping and even then… I am not into the internet much. I don’t really care because the internet’s goin’nuts. My favorite magazine is LSD (I have every damn issue)!
J: Liege and it’s neighbourhoods, Youtube and Ffffound.
Relaxation…
M: Listening to music on my bike.
B: A rave party in a field in the countryside on a summer night.
J: Biking in shorts and a t-shirt with a lot of sun and just the perfect amount of wind is one of the best things in the world (and Lego, but I’m too old for that).
If they could go back in time…
B: I just hope that everything will teach me something.
J: I think I’d change my last Lotto combination, but for the rest, life is life and there’s no point changing anything (plus, it could be very dangerous – have you seen ‘Back to the Future II’?)
Inspiring people…
M: My family, my co-workers, outsiders.
B: Children, artists, my girlfriend, my good friends and dreamers.
J: Boris and Manuel, my close friends, life and happiness in general.
Immediate future…
M: Like I said, Pica Pica interiors.
B: I want to finish this year of studying and succeed.
J: Have one more coffee.
Dream life…
M: Being free, knowing everything and seeing everything.
B: More trrrraveling!
J: It might sound stupid but I’d like to travel for ten years without coming back home.
Advice to new artists…
M: Do it with guts and heart!
B: Bonne chance!
J: Seule l’action libère.,