SLEEK

Member since: 03.29.07
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MAZZ KONFUSEAN As many of you may know, I was and in certain respects still am, a graffiti artist. Well, thank goodness, it's now official according to the recently published book, "The History of Los Angeles Graffiti Art: Volume 1, 1983 – 1988". At least someone was fuckin' paying attention to all those insane late nights and early morning hours from 1982 to 1988. With the cover of darkness and a blue Converse duffel bag stuffed full of spray cans, I crept my way through every street and back alley of Los Feliz, Hollywood, Atwater, Silverlake and Echo Park trying desperately to let everyone know that I controlled those hoods and was in effect, the self proclaimed, "(Graffiti) King of Los Feliz and Hollywood". Hiding inside dumpsters to avoid the "eye in the sky", racking paint from the local hardware store and dodging bullets from unknowing gangsters… I guess in some bizarre circle of karma, my work is now a part of Los Angeles history. The reason for this bravado-esque rant about my inclusion into this influential book is not simply for a pat on the back. It is because graffiti art literally saved my life and arguably the lives of many young kids of my time. It allowed me an alternative to the violent gang life I was forced into, instead giving me hope in the form of a bourgeoning subculture that I unwittingly embraced without judgment. It gave us courage, strength, passion, purpose, self-esteem, satisfaction and pride in a society that rarely gave back to the dysfunctional, urban youth of America. The sad fact is that graffiti is an art form constantly trying to prove its relevance in society. And the crazy thing is… I don't give a fuck! So long as it remains a place where our kids can disappear safely for hours at a time and create a visual statement of what is important to them. Hell, for centuries, artists, musician and writers have poured their angst onto a blank pieces of paper, to a mostly accepting audience. Well, all we have done here was unearthed an ancient medium (Catacombs of Rome, Pompeii) and filled it with color and passion. It's a message to the public at large that the graffiti artist of the World (old and young) have an important message to spray paint for you…."LISTEN!" Ironically, for the most part, I believe that you have already heard us! Look around you… Keith Haring, Basquiat, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Buff Monster, Space Invader, Dalek, Chromopolis, Daim, Seen, Futura, Tempt, Chaz, Risky, Dondi, Soon, Dream, Wisk, Relax, Geo, Crime, Shandu, Mear, Slick, Miner, Skept dropping in from all over the world, including Iceland for fuck sake…. England, France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Brazil and Mexico just to name a few. Whether it comes from the tip of a Krylon spray can to your newly painted garage door, fast cut onto the background of your favorite music video or on a simple 2x4 sticker …. You have already embraced what is truly dear to my heart and for that I say – Thank You! SLEEK (c) 1982 www.thehistoryoflosangelesgraffitiart.com ****************** FINALLY: If there is one thing I can say to all the young guys and girls stepping in our World.. It is this: Please take the time to learn, understand and respect the history of our unique and beautiful art form and its pioneers. Graffiti is an extremely powerful tool of expression. Only the true students of our craft gravitate towards it, not too be cool, but for that need in all of us to express who we truly are in a way that only we know how to. It’s in its process that we eventually learn to respect this power. If we are smart, we will effect positive change in our World and in our life. If we aren’t, we will end up destroying and subsequently losing the very thing that has tried to save us. Respect Graffiti, enjoy your time and be proud. Peace.