GraffHead.com

Mers CBS LORDS - Los Angeles Graffiti Artist Spotlight

2010-03-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

We got some great pictures featuring Los Angeles graffiti artist Mers from the legendary CBS crew. Most of the pictures are from 2006. Many of these have never been seen on any website. All pictures are courtesy of Mers.

I was fortunate and filmed Mers at the end of January.

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Mers CBS LORDS

Grasp + Sabotaz + Oink Art LTD Video

2010-03-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Check out Oink's latest video with Grasp. The video shows Grasp at Oink Art LTD's new warehouse using Sabotaz spray paint.

Grasp + Sabotaz + Oink Art LTD

Grasp + Sabotaz + Oink Art LTD

Grasp + Sabotaz + Oink Art LTD

Grasp + Sabotaz + Oink Art LTD

Related:
Texas Graffiti Writer Spotlight - Grasp Part 1
Texas Graffiti Writer Spotlight - Grasp Part 2
Texas Graffiti Writer Spotlight - Grasp Part 3

Video - Boxr - Los Angeles Graffiti

2010-03-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

We filmed Boxr at the end of January. Watch as he effortlessly paints a face merely looking at a photograph of a woman as inspiration.

Boxr - Los Angeles Graffiti Video

Boxr - Los Angeles Graffiti Video

Boxr - Los Angeles Graffiti Video

The Cat Family

2010-03-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

There is nothing greater than family. You have seen these cats individually all over the streets of Los Angeles. This time they all came together on the Los Angeles 10 freeway! Huge thanks to Vanessa Lord for sending in this picture. I was also able to capture another set of cats. We were at the Hollywood Bowl and we spotted a pair of cats across from the Hollywood bowl on the 101 freeway. Keep them coming!

The Cat Family

The Cat Family

Cats visible from the Hollywood Bowl

Cats visible from the Hollywood Bowl

Related:
There are cats everywhere
Leave the cats alone
Cat obsession
The cats strike back - Los Angeles graffiti

Buffed or is it?

2010-03-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Cal Trans is trying to keep the Los Angeles freeway system free from graffiti. The funny thing is that a lot of times when they buff freeway walls, tags still show through. Here are some recent examples where the buff failed!

Ruets PDB OTR

Buffed or is it?

Toss TMR

Egah Trak UNR

Imes Str8 226 CULT + Others

TWC + Others

Ikaz BTC Miles1

More Freeway Graffiti

2010-03-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

It always amazes me the dedication that graffiti writers put towards what they love to do. It is one thing to write on walls but writing on freeway walls adds a deadly element to it. Many spots require climbing and running across the freeway. One wrong move and you are dead. Here are some pictures from the Pasadena freeway system. The spot that Adze hit is absolutely insane.

Drxo + Ego DOH

Drxo DOH

Ego DOH

Adze

Adze

Adze

DFA

Dema

Dorms and Sober - San Diego Newness

2010-03-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

Dorms + Sober in San Diego

Dorms + Sober in San Diego

Dorms

Wall before Dorms painted on it

Jenks FTL IRAK LORDS PCF

2010-03-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to take a picture of this wall for a while now. There were either homeless people camping in front of it or cars parked in front of it. Last weekend was my lucky day and I was able to get a clean picture of the wall by Jenks.

Jenks Irak

Jenks Irak

Jenks Irak

This is the wall before the Jenks piece. I think the CBS was done by Dytch66.

CBS

Los Angeles Freeway Graffiti Report March 2010

2010-03-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Kosmo Ruets AL OTR PDB LOD in Echo Park

Duer over Asler - check out a lot more coverage on this spot

Thor FOK KOG - Freeway overpass

Pope + Keyps + FSK

Eroze Downtown LA

Blame + Buser + JSNR - Downtown Los Angeles

FSK + R8S - Downtown Los Angeles

STOPC

Oink Video - Sabotaz Cap Test

2010-03-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

In the latest Oink video, James tests the new Sabotaz spray paint with many of the most popular caps. He tests Sabotaz with German Outline #1, Sabotaz Ultra Fat, Black Dot, 24 Karat, Gray Dot, Orange Dot, German Outline #4, NY Fat, Skinny Pro, Universal German Outline, Silver Fat, Ironlak NY Fat, Silver Fat Blaster Cap.

Sabotaz is a medium pressure can. If you put on a fat cap like a Silver fat, a Sabotaz Ultra fat or a 24K cap it will spray high pressure. If you put on a thin cap like a Universal German Outline, a black dot or a gray dot, it will spray with low pressure. This allows you to get fast fill-ins with a fat cap and thin controlled lines with a thin cap.

GraffHead.com Video Preview - Boxr

2010-03-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

We are hard at work bringing you our next video featuring Boxr. You will see how effortlessly he brings a character to life. True talent! We are expecting the video to be ready next Monday. Stay tuned!

If you have not done so, subscribe to our YouTube channel. You will be the first to know when new videos are created.

Dare - Rest in Piece

2010-03-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

We have learned the sad news that the world renowned graffiti artist from Switzerland, Dare has passed away on March 6, 2010. I have never met Dare in person, but I was fortunate to see his work in Los Angeles. I took the picture below around 1992. He collaborated with Hex TGO. His legacy will long live as he contributed to graffiti around the world. I found a book from 2001 that quoted Dare. Scroll down to read it.

Dare in Los Angeles with Hex - Dare Rest in Piece

Dare participated in Urban Discipline 2001, a graffiti show held in Hamburg Germany. Here are Dare's words from the book:

My dream has been forever to obtain fulfillment of my personal aspirations and ambitions, but at times I even progressed much further than I could hope 15 years ago, at the beginning of my career. This despite the fact that I prefer to spray nearly exclusively letter, whereas characters are so much more respected and popular with the public.

Experimenting with letters opens a lot paths for me, not always apparent at first glance, so some see only the typical Dare-style.

This getting intense into styles, which I don't perceive as a limitation, allows those who study pieces, sketches and canvases, to also see the development, the perfecting of my handwriting. Each painted piece represents another bit of development, routine and training at the same time. Nowadays I can make living doing what's most fun for me. There's no day I don't do something creative, whether it's drawing, painting or spraying myself a piece for a change - as and far as I'm concerned I wouldn't have it any other way.

More and more I try to avoid commission work, which I still do part time, because those jobs rarely allow the opportunity for self-development. Because of the exchange with writers from foreign countries, I always gain new influences that enrich my work enormously. I have also made many friendships that extend way beyond just being a writer.

- Dare (Sigi Von Koeding)

Dare in Urban Discipline 2001 - Dare Rest in Piece

Dare in Urban Discipline 2001 - Dare Rest in Piece

Dare in Urban Discipline 2001 - Dare Rest in Piece

Trix Dye Dom Tyer in Los Angeles

2010-03-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

This wall was painted by veteran graffiti artists Trix, Dye, Dom, Tyer and Kofie. Unfortunately, the Kofie piece was covered by a garbage container. I think this wall was painted in 2008.

Dye RF WCA

Dom

Trix WCA RF

Tyer WCA CBS

The $tatus Faction - Back to Back Shows in March

2010-03-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Our friends from The $tatus Faction are participating in 2 shows this month. In the first show they will be doing live art and 2nd show they are revealing their new T$F chain. Be sure to check out their recent vandalism after the show info!

Saturday March 27, 2010 7PM - 2AM

R.A.G.E.
11334 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood 91601 (directions)

Sunday March 28, 2010

1638 Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood CA 90028 (directions)

The $tatus Faction

Here is some recent graffiti mayhem from The $tatus Faction crew.

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction - Thanks for the Shout Out

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

The $tatus Faction

Robbo vs Banksy - Wall Street Journal Graffiti Article

2010-03-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

It may surprise you, but yes, I read the Wall Street Journal on a daily basis. If you want to make money, you have to know what's happening in the financial world. On the cover page in yesterday's issue of the Wall Street Journal, an article focused on none other than graffiti. The Journal sells 2.02 millions copies every day and is the best selling newspaper in the US. The editors agree that an article focusing on graffiti deserves front page placement.

The article focuses on the rivalry between Robbo and Banksy. Banksy altered a Robbo piece that was in existence for 25 years. Coming out of a 16 year retirement, Robbo went back and reclaimed the spot. He took it further and altered many of Banksy's other works.

You can read the entire article entitled A Game of Tag Breaks Out Between London's Graffiti Elite on the Wall Street Journal Website. Thanks to Jaber for the link.

Robbo vs Banksy - Wall Street Journal

Robbo vs Banksy - Wall Street Journal

Robbo vs Banksy - Wall Street Journal

Skid Row Permanents

2010-03-03T08:30:00.001-08:00

While we were in LA's Skid Row district a few weeks ago, I spotted some permanents on rooftops. They were all painted about 3 years ago.

Ralos CULT

Jaws 2x CULT

Anex CULT

Bombing Footage - Shatr + Ivan + Asik

2010-03-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

We got some footage sent in showing LA graffiti writers in action. The footage includes Shatr, Ivan and Asik. Check it:

Visions Crew + WGS - Skid Row Los Angeles 2006

2010-03-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

We were in the beautiful Skid Row district of Los Angeles last week. I stumbled upon this mural done in 2006 by VS (Visions Crew) and Vox WGS. It's great to see murals that have lasted for so many years. This one definitely brightens up the neighborhood.

Visions Crew + WGS - Skid Row Los Angeles

Voks (Vox) WGS

Voks (Vox) WGS

Visions Crew + WGS - Skid Row Los Angeles

Keo Visions Crew

Spice Visions Crew

Owen Visions Crew

Ekura + Mock Visions Crew

Mock Visions Crew

Ekura Visions Crew

Visions Crew + WGS - Skid Row Los Angeles

Ekura, Mock, Keo, Wram, Owen, Spice, Vox VS WGS

Motion AD + Sabotaz - Oink Headquarters

2010-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Check out Oink's latest video with Motion AD. The video shows Motion at Oink Art LTD's new warehouse using Sabotaz spray paint.

Motion AD + Sabotaz - Oink Headquarters

Motion AD + Sabotaz - Oink Headquarters

Motion AD + Sabotaz - Oink Headquarters

Motion AD + Sabotaz - Oink Headquarters

Motion AD + Sabotaz - Oink Headquarters

Video - Mers CBS - Los Angeles Graffiti

2010-03-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

We filmed Mers from the legendary Can't Be Stopped (CBS) Los Angeles graffiti crew last month. Watch as Mers' masterpiece unfolds right in front of your eyes.

Huge thanks to Jaber for making this happen!

Mers CBS - Video

Continue for more pictures

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

Mers CBS - Video

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

2010-02-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

I was sad to see when the most creative thing that is happening in Los Angeles right now in graffiti was disrespected.

There are so many walls, why hit the one with the cats on it? Well it seemed that this was just the fuel that the cat needed. He not only reclaimed the spot, he massacred the whole area. The freeways have seen the wrath of the cats. Here is a small sample of what's happening.

Update: We got another picture sent in by Arpen from the 101 freeway. Check the last picture.

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats - Before the unwanted visitors

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

The Cats Strike Back - Los Angeles Graffiti

101 Freeway - (Thanks to Arpen for sending in this picture - Check out her flickr for more)

Related:
There are Cats Everywhere
Leave the Cats Alone
Cat Obsession

Leave it to the Professionals - LOK Crew

2010-02-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

After the JDI crew owned this spot for a few years, there have been some 'ahem' amateur work on this rooftop. LOK crew has taken this Westside rooftop to its glory again. It is such a great spot, highly visible from the freeway that only great productions should be on it.

My pictures do not give it justice. The wall is huge! You can get an idea of how large the wall is in the Save Haiti JDI video.

Hopefully, this runs for a long time. The only concern is that they covered the business' website address which may encourage the business to buff it and redo the sign.

LOK Crew - L

LOK Crew - Character throwing up an L

LOK Crew - O

LOK Crew - Character throwing up an O

LOK Crew - K

LOK Crew - Character throwing up an K

LOK Crew - Character

LOK - Another angle

Check out previous versions of this wall:
Fight Fire with Fire
The Hate Continues

La Bodega Art Exhibit - Saturday February 27, 2010

2010-02-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

February 27, 2010

La Bodega Art Exhibit
1268 South Ditman Street
Los Angeles CA 90023 (directions)
(323) 526-4006

Thanks to Sand One for the information. Her work along with other Los Anglees based street artists will be on display at the opening event. There will also be girls dresses up as Sand's characters making Elotes (corn on the cob).

Sand One - La Bodega Art Exhibit

Sand One

Sand One - picture by Amayzun

Bay Area Graffiti

2010-02-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

I am what you would call a graffiti enthusiast. I try to get my hands on every graffiti book, graffiti magazine and graffiti DVD. A few months ago, I got Mark Batty Publisher's recent book, Bay Area Graffiti.

I anticipated to get through the book swiftly and write a quick review on it. Was I ever wrong.

This is a book rich with content in which I have immersed myself over the last 3 weeks. Unlike Steve Grody's Graffiti L.A. book, which deeply examines graffiti in Los Angeles from its early days, Bay Area Graffiti is a period piece. The author took pictures on a daily basis from 2004 to 2008. The pictures you see in the book are from writers that were up at that specific time.

The book is a large format hardcover with a great piece by Reyes MSK on the cover. It is 208 pages featuring 61 graffiti writers and has hundreds and hundreds of full color Bay area graffiti pictures. I am always interested in what motivates each graffiti artist to go out and risk their well-being to do what they love. We get a glimpse into many of the featured artists' psyches as they discuss their thoughts and motivations for doing graffiti.

"I hate that the only thing that I know how to do and the only thing that I really love is against the law." -Chue

"I get terrified sometimes when I climb. I sweat compulsevily. I do this thing where I swing under bridges. I climb up the inside and get to the mddle pillar and lie down adn put my amr under and grab a pole and let my legs hang and I pull myself up on the outside beam..." - Keep

"I completely shut off when I paint. It's just me and the wall and if I'm painting with a friend we don't talk. I get in that zone." -Gena

"Dude, the first couple of sprays on that wall, I'm always shook. I'm always looking over my shoulder, seeing if it's cool. And then I get loose after I get manybe the 'G' outlined." - Gator

Bay Area Graffiti joins the few great graffiti books that are on the market.

Disclaimer: GraffHead.com was not compensated for this review. However, Mark Batty Publisher was nice enough to provide us with a copy of the book. Mark Batty is an independent publisher with many great titles focusing on street art including Graffiti Japan, Going Postal Peel: The Art Of The Sticker and Textura - Valencia Street Art.

Bay Area Graffiti

Bay Area Graffiti

Bay Area Graffiti

Bay Area Graffiti

Bay Area Graffiti

Bay Area Graffiti

LA Graffiti on Freeway Rooftops

2010-02-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Not for the faint of heart! Graffiti on rooftops next to the freeways gets you seen. These are usually private properties and do not get buffed very often. Your main concern is not the buff but some other writers wanting your spot.

Egah Besto Shatr Ivan - Los Angeles Freeway Rooftop

Tense IRY JOB - Los Angeles Freeway Rooftop

UE - Los Angeles Freeway Rooftop

Str8 - Los Angeles Freeway Rooftop

GR - Los Angeles Freeway Rooftop