Do you always work in pair?

Bacteria: We prefer working together but sometimes we go separate. I some situations its less eye-catching when we’re working alone.

Akay: But of course it’s more fun to work together.

Do you think it’s possible to be “political” only by choosing certain aesthetics?

Akay: You might see some old Russian propaganda-style aesthetics in my work, but I think that this is the kind of expression all kinds of governments and organisations used in the first half of the last century. The Russians just did it best, that’s why they’re remembered. So there’s no real politics in just the way I express my art. But the actual act of plastering the art to the walls, is in a way political.

Why did you choose these aesthetics?

Akay: I didn’t really choose any special expression, it’s just easier to print this way. Nowadays I usually start with a photograph and then simplify it many times.

Bacteria: I chose the bacteria because it’s grateful to work with a form that can change a lot. In the beginning my stuff was more realistic, with membranes and everything. Now it’s much more stilistic and this shape lets me be both consequent and inconsequent at the same time.

Where do you draw the line between art and design?

Akay: the concept of art is really divided these days. I think it has a lot to do with what the artist or designer says he’s doing. I think design is generally used when somebody is trying to sell a product, while art stands for itself in a way. Bacteria: But of course an artist usually wants to sell his works too.

Any plans for the future?

Akay: I discussed that subject with my girlfriend last night and found out I don’t really have any long term plans. I go day by day. I have no specific goals, besides making a book together with Bacteria. It’s going to be a book where we put all our little ideas together somehow, we’re not really sure how yet.

Bacteria: I plan to continue to travel and do things abroad. So far we’re visited Copenhagen, Berlin, New York, Oslo, Paris and Tallinn and put our art on the streets. It’s a whole different story working in other cities. In Stockholm we’re built a reputation but when we put a poster up in New York we’re starting over fresh.

Akay: We will continue our other art-form too: “left-hand”. It’s easy: all you do is steal something in a store with your left hand and eat it up or bring it with you and do something good with it.

Bacteria: And we’re gonna continue working on our bicycles so we can get around really fast. We’re both got racers with one gear only. Very cool.

And finally, what kind of music do you enjoy?

Bacteria: I’m into jazz. Mostly piano jazz from the 60’s and 70’s. Like Herbie Hancock.

Akay: I love the Bangles. And NWA.