Among the famous graffiti artists from New York City’s 1970s subway era was an unassuming talent from the unassuming borough of Queens. The Italian-American rock and roller who wrote DON 1 MAFIA blasted onto the scene like a meteorite out of nowhere. His influence on this art form transcended the inner city and he became a legend and a household name. But his descent from the top of this name game, a result of the hedonistic lifestyle of New York City at the time, was just as swift, and for years DON1 has lived in obscurity. Fortunately, as a photographer studying at the prestigious school of Art and Design, DON1 documented his iconic work, along with that of his well known contemporaries, using his trusted 35mm camera. This penetrating work takes the reader inside the supernova that was DON1’s creative life with nearly 200 never before seen graffiti photos of the most undocumented NYC train lines and an even rarer glimpse at work from his black book.
How’s this for a blast from the past? Check out Roto – Founder of NCB (No Comp Boys) and Kevin 97 aka EX~1, Founder of BTC (Beat The City)
These two Old Timers raced against each other and individually kinged The E’s, F’s, A’s and any other R-44 or R-46 Dong-dong blue-striper that ran on the IND’s in New York City back in graffiti’s glory days. That would be in the middle to late 70’s for all of you that mistakenly think it was the 80’s.
A couple good friends of Kezar TPA, Sarang HaeyoNashirami and Bada Nashi Young Cho asked him to produce some artwork for this interesting and beautiful music video.
Check it out Here!
Lyrics, vocals, performance by Nashi Young Cho music production by Bada Corporal Identity painting by KEZAR, TPA – The Public Animals
Also take a moment to check out the latest 2012 piece done by KEZAR TPA and an old buddy, KORE
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