IN CONVERSATION WITH JEEJ

interview by SAMO SAJN

Jeej, born Jeroen van der Knaap, is a prominent graffiti artist from Rotterdam who has made a name for himself by blending street art with contemporary aesthetics. In 2021, he signed with Afrojack’s Wall Recordings, expanding his influence beyond art into the music world. Most recently, Jeej partnered with Audio Obscura, exploring new dimensions of artistic expression by merging his visual art with music, further solidifying his reputation as a multi-dimensional creative force.

Your journey from secretive tagging in Rotterdam to exhibiting internationally is remarkable. What was the turning point that made you decide to step out of the shadows and bring graffiti into the mainstream art world?

The turning point came when I started noticing how companies were using graffiti as a trendy visual without understanding or respecting the culture behind it. Some missed the mark by not always involving real graffiti writers and, in doing so, diluted its essence. That sparked something in me—I felt a responsibility to bring authentic graffiti into the mainstream, showing it in its true form, but with a new twist. I’ve always had a vision of merging the raw energy of graffiti with elements from my own life. It was about being true to myself—honoring my roots while also embracing the finer aspects of life that don’t traditionally align with graffiti. It was time to break out and challenge how graffiti could be perceived in the contemporary art world.

Much of your art reflects themes like anonymity, memories, and duality. Can you elaborate on how these themes have shaped your creative direction, particularly in your latest works?

These themes are deeply personal and integral to my creative process. Anonymity, for instance, is a nod to the core principle of graffiti culture—where the name is known, but the face remains hidden. I play with this idea by creating iconic characters without faces, prompting viewers to question what they’re really seeing. Memories and nostalgia also play a significant role in my work. I draw heavily from my own experiences and childhood, blending those memories with the techniques and aesthetics of graffiti to create pieces that resonate on multiple levels. The concept of duality comes into play as I blend contrasting elements—combining the rough with the refined, the raw energy with the polished, sweet and innocent. This duality not only reflects my personal journey but also challenges viewers to reassess their initial judgments and find beauty in unexpected places.

You’ve been closely associated with both graffiti culture and the world of fashion, and now you’re exploring the fusion of art and music. How do you see these different art forms interacting, and what excites you most about merging them?

For me, creativity transcends boundaries. Whether it’s graffiti, fashion, or music, each art form is a way to express a story, a feeling, or a perspective. What excites me most about merging these different forms is the way they can enhance and amplify each other. In fashion, I see parallels with graffiti in the way both challenge norms and express individuality. When it comes to merging art with music, the potential for creating immersive experiences is what really drives me. Music has this incredible power to evoke emotions, and when you pair that with visual art, it creates a multi-sensory experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s about creating a synergy where the visual and auditory elements resonate together, offering a deeper connection to the audience.

You’re represented by prestigious galleries in both the Netherlands and the United States. How does your approach differ when creating for different audiences, whether it’s in Rotterdam, Los Angeles, or Ibiza?

While I always stay true to my core style and message, I do consider the context and vibe of different locations when creating my work. For example, in the U.S., especially in cities like Los Angeles, there’s a preference for larger, more impactful pieces—something that aligns with the ‘bigger is better’ mentality. I enjoy creating large-scale works that can fill a space and make a statement, knowing they’ll resonate in that environment. In the Netherlands, the aesthetic tends to be more modest and understated, so I might lean into creating smaller, more detailed pieces that speak to that sensibility. Ibiza, with its vibrant colors and free-spirited atmosphere, inspires me to incorporate elements that reflect the natural beauty and energy of the island—like using bright colors or imagery that evokes a sense of freedom. While my fundamental approach remains the same, these subtle adjustments allow my work to connect with different audiences in a way that feels authentic to each place.

Graffiti is often misunderstood as vandalism. How do you hope your art, and the way you present it, can shift perceptions of graffiti, both within the art community and in broader society?

One of my main goals is to challenge the way people perceive graffiti, especially in a society that often dismisses it as mere vandalism. I believe that by presenting graffiti in contexts where it isn’t usually found—like in high-end galleries or with luxury items—I can shift the narrative. For instance, when you take a piece of graffiti from a forgotten wall and place it in a refined setting, it forces people to see it differently. The raw energy of the street is juxtaposed with the elegance of its new environment, and suddenly, what might have been overlooked or criticized is now appreciated as art. This approach isn’t just about changing how graffiti is viewed in the art community; it’s about elevating it in broader society. I want to highlight the creativity, fearlessness, and cultural significance of graffiti, making it accessible to a wider audience while giving it the respect and validation it deserves.

Audio Obscura is known for merging music with unique spaces. How did the synergy between your visual art and their musical identity come to life in this collaboration?

The collaboration with Audio Obscura felt like a natural fit from the start. Their focus on creating unique experiences in unconventional locations resonated deeply with my background in graffiti, where finding the perfect spot is often the most crucial part of the process. We decided to bring that raw, authentic energy into their world by incorporating traditional graffiti techniques into their merchandise. The idea was to turn a wall full of T-shirts into a canvas, creating one-of-a-kind pieces where each item was a unique artwork. This exclusivity is something I’m passionate about—it aligns with who I am and what I stand for. The synergy came to life through our shared appreciation for crazy locations, authenticity and creativity to create something truly unique.