Why art made from tape? The questions we hear most

No one thinks of becoming a tape artist from the outset. Before we began taping, almost all of us tried out fine arts with a brush or spray can. Until we finally discovered the right thing for us: rolls of adhesive tape. And we took to tape like a duck to water. Colourful against transparent, matt against shiny, wide against slim, every variety with its own texture that inspires and fuels all of us. But we don’t allow ourselves to delve too much into theory. By going out to the streets and working there with tape, we receive instant feedback. We get people’s reactions and emotions right away — something invaluable to us.

The popularity of tape art is growing steadily, not least because it has established itself as a good alternative to various other urban art styles. Artworks made of tape often look more spectacular than, for example, classical graffiti. Tape is also easier to handle and can be removed if necessary. We mainly use very common types of tape which are usually flexible and waterproof at the same time. They can be brought into shape with a few simple handles and are available in an almost unparalleled variety of colours, so various hue gradations can be implemented. The tapes remain colourfast even after processing. Apart from cutters and a few rolls of tape we usually do not need any other tools, and it takes relatively little time. We hardly produce any waste.

The choice of adhesive tape depends on various aspects. Next to the nature of the surface, its quality and condition as well as the question of what kind of artwork shall be implemented play a role. Nowadays the range of tapes is so great that there is enormous artistic freedom. In our projects we mostly use gaffer tape, masking tape or packing tape, though not always.

If a piece of art is placed indoors where it is protected from water, wind and sun, the tape will last a very long time. Outdoors, depending on the surface and the type of tape, a piece can last between one and over five years. If necessary it can be refreshed or completely removed, since the adhesive tape is easily removable and replaceable.

Since tape sticks to almost all surfaces, there are virtually no restrictions for applying and implementing the art. Thanks to its great adhesive properties it can be applied to stone, asphalt, plastics, aluminium Dibond and wood. It is also suitable for fabric and glass. A clean surface is the only thing that is required. Tape does not only adhere to perfectly straight surfaces but can also be adapted to rounded ones. Likewise, pictures made from tape are easily scalable, so small indoor artworks can be implemented just as well as large pieces outdoors.

Abstract motifs or ornaments can be taped just as well as figurative objects. We often get our ideas for taping only after looking at the surface in question, particularly when it is full of different corners, edges, handles or openings. We attach great importance to integrating our work into the environment. Only this interaction results in a consummate artwork for us.