Taki 183

Past and present graffiti mixed tonight, as different generations of writers gathered to honor a pioneer and founder of our culture. Taki 183 was on hand at The Hole NYC to sign copies of Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon’s latest book The History Of American Graffiti. Taki 183 held court at a table full of classic graffiti trailblazers including Snake 1, SJK 171, Mike 171 and Rocky 184. Good vibes, cold beer and graffiti love were everywhere as everyone appreciated an icon, trailblazer, and genuinely nice guy..zimbio.com/pictures/TGpkuyoGJQu/Hole+Presents+History+American+Graffiti+Book/Rocky+184”>Rocky 184. Good vibes, cold beer and graffiti love were everywhere as everyone appreciated an icon, trailblazer, and genuinely nice guy.

While the NYC heatproved tough to beat, the crowd nonetheless lined up for the chance to get their books signed by the ones who started it all. A table full of legends headed by the authors of the book being celebrated graciously signed books, took pictures and mingled with the crowd. At one point, started by Rocky 184, the legends even swapped books with the fans, getting their books hit by the future of graffiti. Old school blockbuster tags and newer intricate handstyles merged together in a blending of styles. Snake 171 even took stickers for his blackbook!

All in all, knowing your history was the theme of the night, and respect was paid to those who paved the way for us today. Without Taki 183, there would be no Revok, no Katsu, no Banksy to grab headlines. Without these pioneer’s simple desire to be remembered, our movement wouldn’t exist. Many thanks to those who came before us, who had no idea what graffiti would become today.