SPRAYED (A GRAFFITI TALE)

Vandalism, illegal, garbage, a crime, pointless. These are just a few words used to describe graffiti.  To some, graffiti is not art it's more of a nuisance, but to others it's art and so much more. It's a lifestyle.  An expression of the mind body and soul.

Martin Wong was one who saw graffiti as more than "just art".  Wong, born in Portland Oregon and raised in San Francisco's Chinatown area received his degree in ceramics in the late 60's.  All through college and years afterwards he was well known in the San Francisco art community for his set designing for local dance troops, two of which were The Cockettes and Angels of the Light. He moved to Manhattan in the late 70's where he focused on his painting.  His style of painting varied from colorful, slightly exaggerated portraits to hard edge, rough depictions of the city. Wong eventually became an expert and collector of art. It is believed that Wong's graffiti collection is the largest in the world.

After being diagnosed with AIDS, Wong approached the Museum of the City of New York in 1994 in hopes of keeping his extensive graffiti art collection in tact. Consisting of 55 sketch books and over 300 works on canvas and other media between 1971 and 1992, Wong's collection helps spectators see the gradual progression of graffiti.
Works from Wong's collection can be found all around the world including the Whitney Museum, The Met, the De Young Museum, the New Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Illinois State University galleries. Other items such as sketch books, cassettes and photos can be found in Fales Library, NYU.

Martin Wong died in San Francisco of 1999 due to an AIDS related illness.



I turned this day into a family affair by bringing my little sister along

Art by: Various artists 

Art by: Case and various others

Art by: Zephyr and Futura 2000

Art by: John Naar and Martha Cooper (Digital Prints), Graffiti by: Dondi, Spin, NOC

Art by: John Naar and Martha Cooper (Digital Prints), Graffiti by: Dondi, Spin, NOC

Art by: Unknown

Art by: Lady Pink 

Art by: Various artists

Art by: Lee Quinines

Art by: Keith Haring and LAII

Art by: Quik,  Stash Two and Cane One

Art by: A-One [Untitled (The Letter A)]
Delta 2 [Untititled]

Art by: Futura 2000,  Delta 2, A-One, Rammellzee and Part One

I had the pleasure of meeting and briefly interviewing one of Wong's closest friends and featured artist Sharp. Sharp was first introduced to graffiti by a cousin at the age of 10.  He had seen him tagging and although it seemed wrong he was still intrigued. 
While on outings with his mother he began to notice signatures everywhere and often wondered how they got there. Eventually, he found out and soon became a part of the movement.

When asked what he got out of graffiti Sharp replied "Most of the people that participated came from broken homes. They grew up at tail end of the gang era.  We were trying to do something different.  Something positive. Overall, it was a way we found a spiritual solace."

"Sometimes one persons desperation is another ones opportunity." - Sharp

Art by: Sharp [Dead on Arrival]

Art by: Sharp [Abstract Techno-Symbolism], [All Persons], [Untitled]

Art by: Sharp

Art by: Henry Chalfant, (Digital Prints), Graffiti by Sharp, Delta 2, Trap, Dez, Daze

Wong was known to incorporate his closest friends in his artwork.

Art by: Martin Wong [Sharp Paints a Picture], C76

I advise you all to check out this exhibit.  On display until August 24, 2014.

Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue (at 103rd Street)
New York, NY 10029
Tel: 1-212-534-1672
http://www.mcny.org/exhibitions/current

Hours of Operation
Open 7days a week
10am - 6pm

Suggested Admissions
Adults: $10
Seniors, students: $6 (with I.D)
Families: $20 (max. 2 adults)
Children: 12 and under are free
Members: Free