If you know anything about the Amsterdam scene, then you already know the name Laser 3.14 he’s an OG veteran that’s been around since the 80’s. While the city became famous for technical burners, wildstyle, and classic aerosol culture, Laser has been carving out his own lane through visual poetry, socially aware messages sprayed across boarded windows, fences, and shaded corners of the old city.
In Amsterdam, it’s almost understood that if something gets boarded up, sooner or later Laser is going to leave his mark on it.
MRC recently touched down in Amsterdam and got to catch the veteran in action firsthand during an NDSM Werf Wall Jam. From seeing the walls to walking the city where Laser’s words live in the streets, it became clear why his work stands apart.
Tagger, writer, part poet, part cultural observer, Laser 3.14 continues to push a voice that feels personal and public at the same time.
Laser 3.14, you’re known for “Visual Poetry.” How did you develop that style compared to traditional pieces and burners?
I actually started out as a graffiti writer, doing tags, pieces, burners, etc. in the ’80s when I first began.
Halfway through the ’90s, I started experimenting with writing poetry. It was something I began doing because I loved well-written dialogue in movies, great quotes, and listening to song lyrics. I wanted to try writing things like that myself.
I started adding these texts to the paintings I was making at the time. But by the end of the ’90s, I hit an artistic block with my paintings, which led me to take my poetry to the streets and I just fell in love with doing my spraying that way.
Yea, most writers are about the name, but you started focusing on messages. Why politics, love, and pop culture?
I still believe the name a writer chooses is the important basis. You have to have a good name, and from there you build yourself up in technique, skills, and getting up.
I grew up with tagging back in the day and still love seeing great tags on the streets, but my style organically changed into something different.
I’ve always had a wide range of interests like pop culture, love, politics, music, movies, science, and history. I try to stay aware of what’s happening in society — from the ugly to the beautiful — and all of that naturally shows up in my work.
What does it mean when you say this is a way to “democratize” art?
I didn’t say it. It was actually the title of a blog post and interview I did years ago with a street art lover and blogger named Julia.
Where does the name “Laser” come from? What does “3.14” mean?
When I started writing around ’82/’83, I used different names before eventually landing on Laser around ’87/’88. The name came from my love of science fiction.
When I started doing street poetry in the early 2000s, I added 3.14 inspired by writers like Beat 53, Futura 2000, Taki 183, and Tracy 168. It also references Public Image Ltd. To me, it represents the idea that every graffiti writer creates a public image through their work in public space.
You co-wrote a song called “The Square” for Jackie & The Facts a local rock band. Will we see more songwriting and is it similiar to your street poetry?
Music has inspired me ever since I was a kid. I collect vinyl and some of my poetry naturally has rhythm in it.
Some poems were actually written to beats or melodies I heard in my head. So, when Jackie helped me to cowrite some lyrics, I was completely into it. It was a dream come true.
Writing lyrics is different from writing poetry, but I definitely see songwriting as an extension of my street poetry.
MRC first saw you at the NDSM Werf Wall Jam. What other free walls should people know about in Amsterdam?
The most famous one is Schellingwoudebrug in the east. It’s been a hall of fame for around 40 years now.
There’s also a spot in Bos en Lommer behind the Acta building where a lot of pieces get painted.
Laser piece done by Dopie
Which writers inspired you or should people look out for?
My inspirations go way back. Early Amsterdam writers like EGO, Dragon, Tarantula, Survivor, Toorts, Dr Smurry, Harakiri, Royal and many more inspired me.
Writers like Shoe, Delta, Joker, Angel, Jaz, Sonic, Rhyme, Shock, Alien and others pushed Amsterdam style writing forward.
American legends like Futura 2000, Seen, Blade, Lee, Lady Pink, Dondi and Quik were major influences too.
When street art exploded in the early 2000s, I became inspired by Shepard Fairey, London Police, Pure Evil, Banksy, D-Face and others.
What’s the most challenging thing about the writer scene in Amsterdam?
You don’t see a lot of writing in the city center anymore because so much has been cleaned up.
Back in the day you could walk through the center and constantly see fresh burners and pieces. Now you mostly see murals and commissioned work.
What’s the best thing about the Amsterdam writer scene?
It’s still alive and new artists continue arriving. It’s also a smaller community, so most writers know each other which creates a strong bond.
How does it feel transitioning from the street into getting up and being reconized in famous galleries and museums?
It’s an honor. I came from southeast Amsterdam and never imagined ending up with work inside museums or permanent collections.
I’d love to continue expanding outside of Holland and work with more galleries internationally. I like the idea that the work can exist both on the streets and inside art spaces as long as it keeps its soul.
What’s next for Laser 3.14?
I recently worked on a music project with Avisha Darash and Katty Heath. Im also working on a new music project with Altar Beatz. And I started REVELATOR gallery in Amsterdam with friends. We focus on streetart and graffiti. I curated there also.
No new skate decks at the moment, but working with True Soldiers Productions was amazing.
Any last words for the community?
Stay real, stay honest because those are the best assets one can have.
Also shout out to Revelator Gallery in Amsterdam that I started with friends. We focus on street art and graffiti culture.
Listen & Explore More…
Op pad met anonieme street artist Laser 3.14 | EenVandaag
DIE THIS WAY — Altar Beatz & Laser 3.14
Die This Way is a collaborative album blending atmospheric production from Altar Beatz with the poetic lyricism of Laser 3.14. Some tracks were created during the Covid era while others were written years earlier before finding their place on the project.
