The sound of rhythmic clicking fills the air, followed by the distinctive hiss of spray paint and the sharp scent of chemicals. When Karsten Siebert, better known by his artist name "KAE ONE," picks up a spray can, gray concrete suddenly transforms into vibrant color, dynamic form, and powerful expression. For nearly four decades, this Fulda-based street artist has been shaping the regional graffiti scene with his bold styles, clear messages, and tremendous passion.
Osthessen News encountered the artist by chance on Thursday while he was working on a wall near the Aldi supermarket on Horaser Weg in Fulda. During this impromptu meeting, reporters had the opportunity to ask what new creation he was bringing to life on the urban canvas.
"I've been spray painting for 38 years now, primarily on the legal walls in Fulda," Siebert explained during the encounter. "One of them is the well-known surface at the fire station, and another is located at the Youth Culture Factory. These are approved by the city." He described how he submitted a formal request to the city, and because he also works for Fulda on various commissioned projects and workshops, he was granted permission to freely design the panels that have now been installed as cladding.
The location where KAE ONE was working sits directly in front of the old Rhön Furniture Factory, which is slated to be converted into a daycare center in the future. This positioning adds another layer of community significance to his artistic endeavors, as the artwork will be part of a space that serves families and children.
Siebert views his current project as an ongoing artistic journey rather than a single completed work. "Here, free works are created gradually, which I continuously paint over and further develop," he said. "Maybe I'll invite guests from other regions – I'm well-connected internationally and have even worked in New York." This international perspective brings a global dimension to his local art, connecting Fulda's street art scene to broader artistic movements worldwide.
One significant advantage of working on designated legal walls is the longevity it provides for artistic expression. "Unlike public walls, where artwork gets painted over the next day, here you can plan and implement more elaborate projects," KAE ONE noted. This permanence allows for more complex artistic statements and gives the community time to appreciate and engage with the work.
Back in 2013, this graffiti veteran had previously spoken with the publication's editorial team, revealing how he uses his art to provide young people with creative outlets for expression. Through workshops, he demonstrates how spray painting can serve as an emotional release, particularly beneficial for introverted young people who might otherwise struggle to find their voice in the spotlight. While he acknowledges the organizational skills of illegal spray painting groups, he simultaneously warns about the risks associated with such activities, especially when they involve railway facilities or other dangerous locations.
Today, KAE ONE operates entirely within legal boundaries, creating art at hip-hop events at the Youth Culture Factory and accepting commissions from both businesses and private individuals. However, acceptance of graffiti art in Fulda isn't universal – he once faced a serious threat when someone confronted him with a weapon while he was painting. Despite such controversies and occasional hostility, he continues to view street art as a diverse art form that provides space for both creativity and social commentary.
The 55-year-old artist was working on his first design for the new wall during the encounter, employing his characteristic freestyle approach. "I always paint in freestyle, meaning without a fixed sketch," he explained his creative process. "I go directly to the wall, let myself be inspired by the material, and develop the work during the process. On the first panel, I want to apply only my lettering – KAE – like a sticker."
His artistic decision-making process reveals a deep understanding of materials and visual contrast. "I'm starting here with this dirty panel because I found it very interesting in combination with this weathered wood. I won't do much painting over it. The silk gloss will later stand out from the matte wood surface – I want to play with this contrast," he detailed his vision for the piece.
The encounter concluded with anticipation for the artwork's evolution, as the publication expressed plans to return in several months to document how the panel develops under KAE ONE's continued artistic attention. This ongoing documentation will provide insight into how street art evolves over time and how established artists like Siebert continue to push creative boundaries within legal frameworks.
