Gans
My name is Maurizio, but I go by many nicknames: Mizio, Mao, Mauri, Mix, Ziomi, Ganderu, and so on… Writing was an all-consuming experience for me—though not the only one. At a certain point in my life, it was something worth sacrificing everything for. It gave me countless positive emotions and a deep awareness of my abilities, helping shape who I am today.
I’ve channeled all those experiences into my work as an architect—a passion I share with my life partner and great love, Francesca. I can’t stand conservatives—whether in politics, graffiti, or life in general. Everything is meant to end, be surpassed, destroyed, and eventually reborn into something new and, hopefully, better.
Labels have always felt limiting to me: writer, designer, artist, performer, photographer, musician… I’ve always felt the need to question everything I do. To quote Colle der Fomento (Italian Hip Hop Group – NDR): “Who am I?.. I wrote it in silver on a train,” but it got erased…
Peace & Fuck Trump!
I started tagging when I was around 14 or 15, thanks to a Roman writer named Urlo. It was 1995. I was born in Rome to Roman parents and have spent a lot of time in the capital, even though I never really lived there. Urlo was a close friend of mine, and he introduced me to the scene—explaining everything: tags, bombing, trains, crews, b-boys, and flygirls… Gans
In Milan, I lived right across from the French school, and that’s where I started hanging out with three local writers: Zink, Fackt, and Flun. Together, we formed my first crew: OG (Original Gangster). I had changed my tag to GAN for bombing, and GANER for special occasions. Zink had a basement in his house that was his hideout—a real crossroads for writers. Through that spot, I met Shampo and Dance from the SAD crew, who went to Boccioni High School and with whom we started to hang out more and more...
FIA Crew: the original lineup was Dumbo, Shampoo, and Nenche. Over time, it grew to include Risk and Rocks, and then other writers who were already part of our crew, both from Milan and elsewhere. I remember that when it was my turn, they handed me a note that said: You’re in, Gans! Gans
I also had fun painting abroad—especially during a year I spent living in Shanghai, China. Together with my friend Oboe and a French writer named Dezio, we would go paint in the most random spots using 50-cent spray cans we bought from Chinese paint shops. It was 2009, and graffiti was still pretty rare in China back then, so our painting missions had a real pioneer vibe. We’d go out during the day and paint undisturbed, sparking the curiosity of the locals... Gans
Graffiti are still something concrete enough and abstract enough to positively engage young and hungry minds — helping them develop self-awareness regardless of their social background. A Roman writer once said: “…in everyday life, you are who you are… but in graffiti, you can be whoever you want.” And that’s exactly it: that’s the magic! Gans
