SPRAYIN – Graffiti's New Voice
Joseph Watkins: Da Watcha
Rick Rubin stated in his book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, that “there’s a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us,” and on May 18th, 2022, a creative endeavor took place. Within the digital landscape of the famed app, YouTube; the graffiti app Canvs and prominent cinematographer, producer, and passionate street art enthusiast, Edwin Taveras decided to embark on an interesting journey for the graffiti art scene. These creatives constructed the ultimate experience by transcending the traditional boundaries of artistic expression and street art with their YouTube video series, Sprayin.
Street art is universal, yet the narratives behind the artists often remain hidden. Tucked between the visual and the cerebral, these artists possess phenomenal tales, often unheard because their visuals sometimes resonate louder than their voices. This is where Sprayin steps in. Through its video series, which showcases street artists from diverse cities, Sprayin amplifies these voices across the digital superhighway, allowing the artists to be just as loud as their art—up close and personal.
Sprayin is a docuseries that focuses on the lives of graffiti artists, with each video encompassing between 5 to 15 minutes. Sprayin, however, goes beyond just a mere portrayal of its guests, it allows viewers to witness first-hand their love of the street art culture, on a personal level.
Origin
The inspiration for Sprayin’ stems from Edwin’s love of the transformative power of street art and how it breathed life into neighborhoods, serving as both a catalyst for boundless creativity and colorful imagery. Witnessing the often-overlooked brilliance of street artists, Edwin was moved to action. Armed with his camera and storytelling prowess, he set out to cast a spotlight on these unsung heroes by focusing on the artist’s backstories, their creative inspirations, and impressive bodies of work, all within their environment, setting the tone for their own personal artistic expressions.
Moment in Time
I had the privilege of attending the exclusive premiere of episode 3 of the Sprayin series. The event took place on the 40th floor of the World Trade Center and showcased the dynamic duo, BOOGIEREZ. It was intergalactic planetary.
From the vantage point of the 40th floor of the World Trade Center, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The lights of the skyscrapers, the bustling streets, the people. All came together in a breathtaking display, casting a radiant glow that pierced the night. NYC is such a special place. I was even fortunate enough to take a selfie with the cast members of hit show, Breaking Bad’s, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris. NYC, what a city!!!
Eps. 3
The Dynamic Duo: BOOGIEREZ
Episode 3 highlighted BOOGIEREZ’s origin story and the creative synergy between the iconic duo. Featuring T.C. Weaver, also known as RezOnes, a graphic artist and an extraordinary human being, and riiisaBoogie, artist extraordinaire and an individual of immense artistic talent. Their dynamic energy and skillful use of the pen, brush, camera, and spray can reflect the embodiment of their motto C.R.E.A.M. (Creativity Rules Everything Around Me), showcasing their artistic prowess, their love of life, and the graffiti art scene.
As the premiere ended, the dynamic duo spoke with guests about how they keep their creativity going and how you should, “never dim your own light.”
RESPECT.
The Sprayin series, powered by Canvs, offers a fascinating exploration into the vibrant world of graffiti and the captivating narratives behind it. As a platform, it delves into the unique artistic expressions of individuals like BOOGIEREZ—REZOnes and riiisaBoogie—providing viewers with an intimate look into their creative processes, inspirations, and the profound connections that fuel their creativity.
Moreover, the series goes beyond the conventional boundaries of artistic representation, shedding light on the broader cultural impact of street art. It serves as a lens through which audiences can appreciate the dynamic intersection of creativity, identity, and the pulse of contemporary urban life.
Sprayin, which has completed four episodes to date, stands as a testament to the vibrant world of street art. Each episode, with its focus on the lives and creative processes of graffiti artists, paints a vivid picture of the passion and dedication embedded in this dynamic culture. As the series continues to unfold, it not only amplifies the voices of these artists but also invites viewers into a realm where artistic expression transcends traditional boundaries.
Looking forward to see what the series does for 2024.
RESPECT
