From the Streets of Zagreb to Global Galleries

My name is Krešimir Buden, but in the art world and on the streets, I am better known as 2Fast.

My journey began in Zagreb in the late 1980s, a time when hip-hop culture was only just starting to knock on our doors. As part of the first generation of graffiti artists in Croatia, I never dreamed that my works - which started as a form of youthful rebellion and a desire to brighten up grey concrete - would one day grace the walls of galleries from New York to Paris.

Today, I am a freelance artist and designer, and a proud member of the Croatian Artists Association (HDLU) and the Croatian Freelance Artists Association (HZSU). However, at heart, I am still that same creative kid who graduated from the School of Applied Arts and Design in 1992.

My professional path has been a dual one. I spent over two decades in the graphic design and advertising world, working as an illustrator, designer, and Creative Director for numerous agencies. That "day job" taught me discipline, visual communication, and strategic thinking, while at night, I lived my second life as a graffiti writer. It is precisely this fusion of raw street energy and a precise designer’s eye that has shaped my current artistic expression.

In 2019, I decided to close the chapter on agency life and fully devote myself to my own creative work. My philosophy is simple: art is a process of exploration. If I am truly satisfied with the result, the audience will feel that energy. Although I spend less time on ladders with spray cans in hand these days, but I truly enjoy watching younger colleagues create wonders on the walls, while I channel my passion into the third dimension of sculpture.

Outlaw Graffiti: The Third Dimension

After decades of working within the space of two-dimensional graffiti art, I decided it was time for a new challenge. As an "adult" artist, I began to wonder where that challenge would lead me. This curiosity birthed the "Outlaw Graffiti" project - an exhibition that marked my departure from the world of flat surfaces and my entry into areas focused on object and volume.

In this phase of my journey, I seek to develop different types of sculptures by separating them from the walls and giving them entirely new forms. By pulling the graffiti aesthetic into the physical space, I am exploring the relationship between the raw energy of the street and the structured nature of three-dimensional objects.

The Splash: Capturing the Moment

This exploration led to the creation of my signature Splash Can sculptures. It all started in 2013 with my first solo exhibition, where I wanted to create something innovative and tangible.

Looking at a spray can, I was fascinated by the idea of stopping time at the exact moment the paint exits the nozzle and hits the wall. What began as a series of unique gifts for friends - small, "cool" objects that were affordable and practical to share - soon became a global phenomenon. Each piece is a tribute to the tools of my trade, frozen in a vibrant explosion of color.

Dutch Street Art Awards

Beyond my personal work, I am particularly proud of my long-standing collaboration with the Dutch Street Art Awards. This annual prize celebrates the artists and initiators who contribute most to the street art scene in the Netherlands and the Benelux countries.

Since 2016, it has been a great honor for me to annually design and create the physical awards for these epic events in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The feeling of seeing my sculptures in the hands of Europe’s best street artists as a recognition of their talent is truly priceless.

Fast Facts & Career Highlights

• Global Presence: My work is now featured in 14 galleries worldwide - from Miami and New York across Europe to New Zealand.

• Big Brother USA: In 2020, my "Splashes" were chosen as part of the décor for the American Big Brother house, providing incredible exposure in the United States.

• The Evolution of Graffiti: Through the "Outlaw Graffiti" concept, I have transformed the transience of street art into a permanent, three-dimensional value.

• Personal Inspiration: When I am not in the studio, I am a passionate biker and a father to a great man, Karlo. The dynamic of life between the open road and the quiet of the studio gives me the inspiration for every new shape I create.

Welcome to my journey.