Graffiti artist  „TARKIN“ Herbert Kracke,

born 1967 in Biel / CH
1982 – 1985 Training as paver
1982 Start of his Graffiti Career

Tarkin: „ As a 15-year old, I undertook my first nightly expeditions, in order to draw attention to myself with tags and graffiti. By doing this I  got confidence in the use of the paint spray can and I quickly wanted to spray my name on as many walls as possible as well as railway stations, public buildings, subways etc.  

I drew, painted and sketched and developed through self-teaching my own particular style.

I sprayed my first artworks on walls of public buildings, sometimes illegal, sometimes legal, in such a way that many people would get to see them and started thinking about them.

In 1990 I decided to turn my back on my job and to work as an legitimate freelance artist.”   

Exhibitions:

1991 „HipHopReality“, Biel / CH
1992 Gallery Schürer, Biel
1993 Rithalle, Bern
1996 Gallery Schürer, Biel
1999 Art Happening at the lake, Biel
2000 CCL St. Imier / CH
2001 Station 21, Zürich
2001 Gallery Kentaro, Studen / CH

Tarkin is one of the most famous freelance graffiti artist in Switzerland and he lives from his art. His artworks have been published in many newspapers and magazines.

 You can find his extraordinary artworks mainly in and around Biel, but also across the borders he has created some impressive works of art.

 Philosophy

Tarkin:” In a subjective way  I look into a possible future, and spray in a provoking way.  My idea is to attract the attention of the spectator to the maximum extent, without forcing my opinion onto them.

Street life and study of day-to-day living is what I want to bring across to my audience.

The inspiration for this I get  from everywhere, in particular I'm inspired by the narrow-mindedness and stupidity of human beings.

I can accept the fact that my art is not everybody's taste, but I would like to avoid that it becomes cheap or generates a sexist idea”.