We Were There - XIII: 2002 - Alien: Technical Advances in the Aerosol World

The innovation associated with Montana until the present day has included significant turning points in the history of the brand. Emerging in the early 2000s, the Alien aerosol format was one of the key examples of a constant evolution in graffiti paint technology to meet the needs of writers. 

Years passed and the techniques of the writers advanced. At the beginning of the twenty first century, graffiti evolved into something much more sophisticated than anyone had imagined 15 years previously when it began to spread throughout the world. 

One of the characteristics that helped it survive and grow was its diversity, the ability to embrace new trends and take new forms. In 2002, graffiti had so many variations and styles that it was becoming difficult to class everything under the same label. 

Technology accompanied the progress of graffiti, street art and muralism, aiding its advances. Just as the demands of artists became known, a new development would force the wheels of technological development, influencing a new way of painting.

TAKING A STEP IN A STAGNANT MARKET 

By the early 2000s, several other graffiti paint brands had popped up on the market, and some offered different aerosol formats, but their variations were based solely on volume and the range of colors. Once again, Montana took a step ahead and came up with a groundbreaking product that promised to offer a myriad of applications, largely neglected by the market until that point.

So a new line went into production. A carefully designed low pressure aerosol with a special valve to facilitate precision lines. Satin finish. A range of tones never seen before. The Alien was born.

WHY 250 ml? 

Another interesting feature of the line was the quality of the paint owing to a high concentration of pigment. The combination of its quality and low pressure made this can a high performance product, a spray paint that lasted longer than others, covering a large surface if applied properly. That’s why the decision was taken to manufacture it in a smaller container than the accepted world standard at that time. The Alien came in 250 ml cans, a novelty for manufacturers of graffiti paint at the time - despite the popularity of the 300 ml Buntlacks made by the German fine art brand Marabu in the 80s.

SCIENCE-FICTION SPRAYPAINT 

The name “Alien” was concocted to present this unusual format in a universe of 400 ml cans. It also gave Montana Colors the possibility to publicly honor certain artists and their work who are highly influential among graffiti writers, illustrators, tattoo artists and graphic designers. The Ridley Scott films "Alien" and "Blade Runner" and the work of artist H.R. Giger - creator of the alien creature and special effects from the former - was only the beginning of these references to contemporary popular culture through Montana products: Blade Runner inspired one of the advertising texts during the product launch. The range of colors presented in this format showed a careful collection of names that continued to honor films, science fiction writers and comic universes.

THE PREDECESSOR OF 94 

Alien was the direct ancestor of the 94 format that exists today. Its technology made it ideal for work where a finish was required, as well as for very precise work with fine lines. In this way, the Alien was widely accepted by graffiti writers who also painted on canvas, but in fact the can worked perfectly well with a fat cap to work on a larger scale. 

During its years of existence, several novel paints were made available in the Alien format. Luminous paint could be charged with light and shone at night, and the innovative Spectrum range consisted of various shades of translucent paint, enabling artists to generate shadows and subtle color changes.