Monsieur Qui

Monsieur Qui

By Arden de Raaij

Coming across the works of Monsieur Qui is a true delight. The Parisian artist, most known for his paste-ups of pretty ladies and Mobylettes, has an elegance to his style which is seldom seen on the streets. I first came across Monsieur Qui’s work in 2008 during a trip to Paris. Since then, his work has grown darker and I dare say, even more interesting as well!

“The streets are the best ephemeral galleries to show my fashion and illustration work. It is to diffuse glamour in the city. Also, there is more place to work with in the streets than in my bedroom.”

A man looking at two pieces of street art by Monsieur Qui, pasted on a beige wall
Monsieur Qui

Which cartoons did you watch as a kid, and which were your favourites?

I’ve never been a TV kid; I preferred playing outside in the rain!

What is your favourite gaming character?

Again, I never really played games, sorry! I’m a boring boy!

What got you into to street art, and what makes you keep on doing it?

What was the first thing you put up on a wall?
A big “SPEO” letter piece I made in 1989. It was purple and pink with a black outline. At least that was my start in graffiti. The real first thing I put on a wall was a pure stink cheese…

Legal or illegal?

Illegal is tastier…

Which artist would you like to work with in the future?

Oh wait, I can answer what I want? Ok… I would like to work with the Faile collective, perhaps Audray Kawasaki and if I have enough time: WK interact!

Favourite city, and Favourite thing about it?

I have never travelled a lot so it would be Paris. It is a very stimulating city

What is yourFavourite music/genre/artist/album

I love French punk music, dub, Drum ‘n Bass, Soul, all energetic music. It changes like the weather though.

Monsieur Qui
Monsieur Qui

What is your favorite item to take on the road with you?

Some head scarves and paper to draw on.

Best graffiti/street art spot we should check out:

I do not have the travel experience to answer this, but NYC would be a place I would love to visit.

Monsieur Qui
Monsieur Qui

If you could fill a swimming pool with something, what would it be?

Hhmm… I would fill it with some pieces of majorettes and flourish (lol!), I have a real passion for it!

Bill (PC) or Steve (MAC)?

Paper and street (but to answer your question: Mac is better!)

Monsieur Qui
Monsieur Qui

What can we expect from you in the future?

Working with Faile in a swimming pool filled with majorettes. And continue to progress with my drawings (my dialy struggle).

Monsieur Qui
Monsieur Qui