ERAS
Marco Holzinger, known by his artist name ERAS, is a German artist deeply rooted in graffiti culture. Active since 1998, he has shaped the urban art scene for over two decades. Starting with classic stylewriting on walls, his work has since evolved into a distinctive artistic practice that merges graffiti, sculpture, and spatial concepts. Raised in southern Germany and strongly influenced by hip-hop culture, ERAS has left his mark on numerous cities across the German-speaking world and beyond – including works in Mexico and the United States, notably at the legendary (and now demolished) 5Pointz in New York City. His professional training as a toolmaker had an early impact on his material approach. As early as the 2000s, he began translating graffiti lettering into three-dimensional steel structures. Later, inspired by a lean management project at his workplace, he discovered the artistic potential of Styrodur – a lightweight and durable industrial foam, originally used to organize tool drawers. Influences from behind-the-scenes documentaries of films like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings also shaped his aesthetic and process. Since around 2013, ERAS has focused increasingly on sculptural reliefs that blend his graffiti background with spatial and material depth. A turning point came with his engagement in the vibrant Hamburg urban art scene, which broadened his perspective on graffiti in space. From 2017 to 2019, he lived in Atlanta, USA, where he continued painting and expanding his network. Returning to Germany, he presented his first solo exhibition in 2020 at Galerie Eisdiele (Nuremberg/Fürth), followed by several group shows and independently organized exhibitions. In addition to his exhibition work, ERAS has been involved in creative collaborations with brands like Adidas – including a sneaker art show on Broadway in New York – and has designed stage sets for the children’s music project DIKKA, including for national TV appearances (e.g., KiKA). He also contributed to major festivals such as SPLASH! and the AKF. Currently, ERAS is working on a new concept titled “Urban Art Playground”, which aims to bring interactive, walkable artworks into public space. This project marks a new chapter in his artistic journey – one that lies at the intersection of street culture, sculpture, and participatory urban design.
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