KAIROS: First of all, thank you for the interview, KMR. Can you tell us about yourself? When and how did you start with graffiti?

KMR: Greetings, I'm KMR. I've been following hip-hop culture since 1996. I discovered graffiti in 2000 and made my first wall around 2002. I learned it through my classmate and Blue Jean magazine.
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KAIROS: So, how did your family react when you started graffiti? Were they supportive?

KMR: At first, they didn't quite understand, they didn't know exactly. Now things have changed, they know everything. They are against illegal activities, they even comment on my pictures when I do legal things :) I'm happy with their support now, they don't cause problems except for illegal activities.
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KAIROS: What was the environment like when you started doing graffiti? Were there any writers who influenced you?

KMR: Back then, we were unaware of the situation, we did things our own way, but we learned the ropes later. Of course, there were immigrants, turbos, and I was obsessed with the judge's pictures; I would get really pumped up just looking at them. They were my sources of inspiration back then.
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KAIROS: So, are there any writers you like now?

KMR: Yes, there are. I really like the elements ia, s2k, koac, bok, ok, gofs, and dsk. In the world, I really like names like abcru, dare, reso, mode2, daim, and saw. I try to obtain the documents where they are found.

KAIROS: What are your thoughts on the debates among writers in Turkey?

KMR: Arguments happen, of course. Sometimes I argue with my groupmates, sometimes with my closest friends. It's definitely going to happen, but I find it pointless when people trivialize it and turn it into a kind of pissing contest. They're digging a tunnel for nothing, without any purpose.
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KAIROS: What are your thoughts on crossing?

KMR: I find motocross wrong. It's an insult to hard work and money, unless there's competition or other reasons involved. The motocross enthusiasts in Izmir either don't know who we are or they're looking for some excitement in life. Not every thrill ends happily, just so you know. Our friends here, whose lives and personal balance we've changed, know this well.
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KAIROS: So, have you ever done any motocross?

KMR: I did it. They cross-tagged me, even my tags. I respond in kind to what they do to me. Otherwise, being in this position in Izmir right now, I wouldn't stoop to anyone's level. I don't treat jackals like dogs.
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KAIROS: Have you ever been caught doing graffiti? Has anything interesting happened to you?

KMR: It happened a few times. I got into a fight with plainclothes police and got away. On the train, Are and my guy were caught painting with a wattler. I took plastic bullets and stuff, but I didn't get caught. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't get caught. Anything can happen at any moment, I'm not making any big pronouncements.
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KAIROS: What's your dream regarding graffiti, and who would you like to paint with?

KMR: My initial dream was to be in the same team with immigrants in Izmir, and that came true. Then, my dream was to meet S2K, the first band that influenced me, and that also happened; I gained a brother who's like Turbo. Painting abroad was also among my dreams, and that came true too. My last two dreams are to paint Piri Reis and a world map on a ship, and the other is for my children or grandchildren to be doing graffiti and following in my footsteps when I die.
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KAIROS: What are your plans for the future? Do you think you can continue making a living from graffiti?

KMR: No, I don't think so. I can't support a household or anything like that, but I don't drink, smoke, or use weed or drugs, and I'm happy with that. Happiness is necessary for the future, and I'll do it then. If God doesn't take away my strength, bigger walls, more friends, and a better environment await us in the future... Art is always necessary.

KAIROS: When you started this business, who supported you the most, who was by your side?

KMR: When I started, I only had my friends with me, but as I progressed, there were Messiahs and immigrants in Izmir.
My friends from Istanbul, Turbo, Wyne, Raif Jr, Kien, Usny, Hure, and Dose, helped me; I learned a lot from them. I also learned a lot from Cowboy 69 and Shame from Germany.
Met from Istanbul is helping me, thank you very much. Are is like a brother to me, his help is also very important.
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KAIROS: Did you have a chance to color with Cowboy69 and Shame?

KMR: No. There weren't two instances of bad luck with Cowboy. It's just Sketch for now. He's conveying the necessary message in the video message he sent me. I'm planning to release a video soon anyway. It will contain the footage I mentioned... If I can go to Munich and have more time than before, there are some names we've arranged to meet.
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KAIROS: What is your purpose in doing graffiti? Is it to gain fame, or is it because it's your lifestyle?

KMR: At first, that was its meaning, it was an excitement, but things changed. Sometimes we ran up the stairs, sometimes we fell, but now it has an important place in my life. I take it seriously. Sometimes I can't sleep, letters come to my mind. I've become a sketch fanatic. Believe it or not, I've finished five blackbooks or something. It's seriously formed in my mind and heart. It's not like it used to be, but it's not the only meaning of my life. I have a family, lots of friends, the girl I love... but graffiti is like indispensable to me.
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KAIROS: Besides graffiti, what else and who else do you value?

KMR: Besides graffiti, I enjoy music, traveling, hanging out with my friends, talking to Teti, and messing around with Azat 😉. I have unlimited respect and love for all my friends. And my daughter too. New love is good. I wouldn't be who I am without my brothers and sisters. I'm sure if I ever have to give up graffiti, they will still be my friends, my older brothers and sisters. Even if God takes my life, I will be watching you from the other side. All 4 One, we'll always be together.

KAIROS: Which crews are you in right now, and who are the people in those crews?

KMR: I'm in the Ia ok and sdc groups.
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ia da: raif-jr kien-usyn-rob2 -unik and me

Okay, so: semi-dose Mr. Peace mist and me.

sdc de: I am the Messiah, the immigrant, rise and fame exist

KAIROS: The names I mentioned are established names in Türkiye, but there are many new names coming up behind them. Are there any you like? Any that you think will be very good in the future?

KMR: Of course, those I mentioned have proven themselves admirably in Turkey. Besides them, there are crazy ones like Met, Leo, and Are who are progressing at a terrifying pace; they're superb. Among the new ones, I like Dusk; he's doing a good job. Then there's Bor from Izmir; he'll be very strong in the future.
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KAIROS: What advice would you give to those new to graffiti?

KMR: Newcomers, first of all, shouldn't see graffiti as a tool for attracting girls or just to look different; they should incorporate it into their lives, carry it in their hearts and blood. Respect for elders and the past is necessary; this is spreading all over Turkey now, we must unite, we have a mission, and while fulfilling it, let's not hinder each other.
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KAIROS: Where do you think Türkiye is in Europe? What are the differences?

KMR: Well, there's a huge difference right now. There's a big difference in materials and environment. Before I was even born, whole cars were being painted in Europe. There's a difference, but it will be overcome over time. We're progressing fast, we'll be patient. Those who take this seriously will remain, and they will carry us forward. We need turbos, Raif Jrs; new ones are coming, there's plenty of light, our eyes will be dazzled together, everything will get better.

KAIROS: What do you think about the Akçalı writer team incident?

KMR: Honestly, I haven't followed it much, I don't know much about it. Greetings to everyone on the team, wishing you all the best in your work.
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KAIROS: "RESPECT" - what does that word mean to you?

KMR: Respect is one of the fundamental elements in the East of hip-hop. Although I like my current environment, there are some friends who lack respect, and unfortunately, while we should be teaching this to others, we can't educate the ignorant among us. A 15-year-old new writer acts as if they're mocking a 25-26-year-old writer; they need to stop this kind of behavior.
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KAIROS: Which brand of paint do you use?

KMR: We have some Belton and Montana left. Generally, it's Akçalı and Polisan, but Akçalı is more prevalent.

KAIROS: What do you pay the most attention to when doing graffiti? Is there anything you absolutely must do?

KMR: If it's a legal job, I pay close attention to cleanliness. I pay attention to color transitions and backgrounds; it needs to be visually pleasing for the viewer. I make the blocks colorful, I love that. I like to keep the background black. If it's illegal, like BOW or OK, I make them large.
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KAIROS: How many graffiti pieces have you done on average?

KMR: Well, that's a lot, over 350, I've gotten incredibly fast in the last two years.
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HYPNOS: Are there any sources of inspiration for you? If so, what are they?

KMR: No, I'm trying to find my own lettering and coloring styles. Too much inspiration causes damage, as my market-savvy friends know ;)
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KAIROS: I know, but does KMR mean anything to those who don't?

KMR: Everyone asks about its meaning, but it doesn't have one. I just put it there randomly. Whoever wants can say "kamera," whoever wants can say "ke-me-re," whoever wants can find whatever meaning they want. I'm finding my own meaning too. Like "Kurdish neighborhood painter," "Squid is perfect with raki," hehehe
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KAIROS: I'll leave the last word to you. What would you like to say, and to whom do you send your greetings?

KMR:: Greetings to you, Kai, and also to all my bandmates, everyone who loves me or doesn't love me, who knows me or doesn't know me. Everyone who feels this in their heart is my brother or sister. May God not separate us, we are always together. kmr´´bow´´ renkkopat