Runweb : First of all, why have you chosen the pseudo, "JACE"?
Jace: I chose this nickname in the late 80s during the boom of the hip-hop culture and I found that "Jace" and its American sounding were not bad!!      

When did you first arrive in Réunion Island?
I was 9 years old, it was in 1982, and I arrived in Réunion Island along with my parents. 

Since when are you interested in the graffiti art?
I started to get interested in the graffiti art since my adolescence but it's around seventeen that I discovered a true passion for this phenomenon.    

What was your first piece of work?
Repaint my bicycle.

What has spark off your passion?
It's a book that will trigger everything: Subway Art.  Even today, this book written by Henry Chalfant and Martha Cooper looks like a bible for all graffiti artists.    

When did you create your first gouzou?
In fact, I conceived my Gouzou from the moment I realized that in order to be distinct from others, I needed to create a simple, provocative, whimsical and an enigmatic character and which are quick to draw.  I also wanted this character to be able to adapt to all types of situations and develop over time.  It's been already thirteen years! 

Where did the term "gouzous" owe its origin?
This name occurred to me in a sheer madness!!   

According to you, what is a Gouzou?
The blood flowing in my veins, it's a vital process.  

Why don't they have faces?
So that everyone can identify themselves with the characters.  This allows people who saw it to have their own interpretations.    

Tell us how do you manage to access inaccessible spots?
Firstly, there is the spotting phase or a few surfaces that are appealing to me.  Then, I scribble sketches to decide about the best setting. 
At last, I take action.     

What are the risks that you undertake?  How about the fine?
There is a risk of 75 000€ fine and up to 5 years of imprisonment.

This compels you to work rather rapidly!!  What is the average time taken for a graffiti?
 The time varies from five to eight minutes, according to the profile of the graffiti.  In all cases, speed and efficiency are the two keywords. 

Apart from photographing your works, how do your fans satisfy themselves?
I've already released a limited series of t-shirts and a book (the next volume will be published soon).

According to you, what is your best work?
The Gouzou hang up at the cape Lahoussaye (for the risk-taking and the final outcome).

What is your biggest dream?
Squatting the next mission on the moon and sketch on the rock in the area.  

What are your forthcoming plans?
A fourth book!  Be on the front page!!  Repaint the external side of the "jeumon" of the palaxa.  An exhibition in Paris in March.  And a trip to Madagascar, to scribble on the sailing ships of the fishermen!!     

Do you have any idea of your next "attack"?
Yea, it'll be bigger, higher, more what!!!  

Interview conducted by Fred Pamard - October 2005