DASPLATZ

Artists : RIME, KEO XMEN, Grey PVC, PURE TFP, SP.ONE Date : 2025 Curated by : DASCOOL NYC Commissioned by : Red Hook Business Alliance

Welcome to DASPLATZ- Red Hook’s newest mural installation. This isn’t just a wall—it’s a vibrant tribute to the legacy of New York City graffiti. These five murals were created by some of the city’s most iconic graffiti artists, who began their journeys in the ’80s and ’90s tagging subways, highways, and rooftops. Now recognized as pioneers, they’ve helped redefine what graffiti can be—and they’re still pushing creative boundaries today.

This collection of artists was curated by Brooklyn-based design studio DASCOOL. The selection of artists was rooted in the history of the location: over a decade ago, several of them painted this very same wall. Remnants of that original, almost secret urban gallery still remain, making the site a living monument to the pioneers of New York graffiti. This new mural honors that legacy while creating a new one.

Every mural here tells a story. Look closely, and you'll see decades of evolution in every stroke. RIME, also known as Jersey Joe, unleashes a burst of colorful, psychedelic creatures that seem to leap off the wall. His work reads like a visual diary—each symbol and character drawn from a personal sketchbook. For this piece, he took his process outside the box—transforming it into a dynamic, skull-shaped canvas. KEO XMEN pays homage to the Saturday morning cartoons that inspired a generation of writers. A key figure in preserving traditional New York subway styles for over four decades, KEO brings deep historical knowledge to his work, with precision in every line and authenticity in every form. GREY PVC, active for over 25 years, is known for his global graffiti presence—hitting major cities around the world before social media made that easy. His style is bold, colorful, and boundary-pushing. Now based in Los Angeles, he remains active with both the AOK crew in New York and PVC in San Francisco. PURE TFP, raised in the Bronx, painted a 3D “portal” that twists and flows, creating a sense of depth and movement. It connects to a larger mural he created in Mexico City. A member of the legendary TFP crew—founded in 1974 and still active today—Pure continues to innovate while honoring graffiti’s roots. SP.ONE, also known as Greg Lamarche, celebrates spring with explosive color and kinetic joy. A Queens native who began tagging trains in the early ’80s, Lamarche is equally known for his intricate, hand-cut paper collages—bold letters layered with vintage prints and textures. His work has been featured in major galleries, books, and media around the world.

These artists share more than talent—they share a history. Many began painting when they were just 12 or 13, dodging police and sneaking into train yards under cover of night. Spray paint was illegal for minors, so even getting supplies took hustle, risk, and creativity. “Getting up”—having your name seen across the city—was everything. It was about visibility, identity, and respect. But these artists didn’t just survive that world—they helped create and shape it. They laid the foundation for what graffiti would become: a global art movement rooted in rebellion, style, and self-expression. Their influence stretches far beyond the walls of New York, inspiring generations of writers around the world and bridging the gap between street culture and contemporary art.

This wall isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. These writers never stopped creating, never stopped pushing the boundaries of graffiti art. Their work has appeared in galleries, on album covers, and even in classrooms. But here, on this wall, they return to where it all began—out in the open, in full color. This is top-tier New York City graffiti: raw, brilliant, and alive. So take a moment. You’re not just looking at paint—you’re looking at a legacy.