2 Artists, 2 Coasts, Both in Jail for Graffiti

Left, LA II, right, Revok. (images via dnainfo.com & ballerstatus.com)

While LA II, who is best known as a collaborator of Keith Haring, has quietly languished at Riker’s Island prison, Revok’s arrest and subsequent sentencing has been accompanied by a vocal outcry from his comrades and fans, including Shepard Fairey, who issued a poster last week to raise money for his legal defense fund.

The debate about graffiti and street art and its role in a democratic and free society is sure to rage on as the artists associated with the art form continue to make waves by openly challenging vandalism laws. The whole phenomenon is strangely reminiscent of the emergence of hip hop in the 1980s and 90s, when artists (and their handlers) often parlayed criminal charges into more publicity and fame for the artist.

The largest question is do artists have — or should they have — a right to create art on public property or the property of others.
The Twitterverse has been very vocal about its anger regarding Revok’s arrest.

From a fellow graffiti writer, Saber:

And some other commentary:

http://twitter.com/#!/jozephr/status/62645558392786946
http://twitter.com/#!/DESTROY213R/status/62622365376450560

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Here is Shepard Fairey’s message about his print:

REVOK TYRANTS!

The Tyrant Boot print was inspired by the Frederick Douglas quote “The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress”. Frederick Douglas, an African American, was a leader of the Abolitionist Movement. He was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, woman, Native American, or recent immigrant. He was fond of saying, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”
I felt that this print is appropriate for the situation my friend Revok is facing. Revok has been a major inspiration for me since I saw he and Saber’s huge pieces in the San Fran Bay area in the mid 90′s. I’ve never seen a Revok piece that did not enhance its surroundings. In July, the famed Los Angeles graffiti artist was arrested on felony vandalism charges. Indio police raided REVOK’s home, confiscating art supplies, cameras, hard drives, computers—essentially everything he uses to earn a living. This has crippled his entire business and destroyed his income. To add insult to injury, the felony charges are excessive and unjustified. REVOK is a celebrated artist who has dedicated his life to his work, not a criminal deserved of jail time. To fight these charges, REVOK will incur great legal expenses. If you would like to help, buy this print, or please visit www.revok1.com to see more of his work. All profit from the Tyrant Boot will go to Revok’s legal defense fund. Combat oppression, support and buy something.

-Shepard

Tyrant Boot, Edition of 450, $45… On sale Thursday, 8/21 – Ebayers not welcomed. SOLD OUT

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