​Internationally acclaimed graffiti artist to give talk and lead workshop at NDMOA

By Jacinta Zens

Graffiti is something we all see routinely on trains as they pass through the metro. If you pay attention even a little bit, you will notice that some graffiti pieces on train cars look much better than others in terms of letter structure, composition, color usage and technical execution.

As with any art, the ability to create exquisite, elaborate, multicolored works comes with years of practice and an enormous amount of dedication, time, and patience to hone your creative practice. Graffiti art is no different, and the mind-blowing pieces you see on trains are created by people who have dedicated their lives to their craft.

While once seen as merely vandalism created by groups of rogue teens, graffiti art has proven itself to be one of the most vibrant and sought-after contemporary art forms. Museums, galleries and education centers worldwide have showcased graffiti as art and graffiti festivals (where multiple murals are created at a single event) take place in cities around the world. Graffiti festivals such as Upfest in Bristol, England, Montreal's MURAL Festival and Saint Louis’s Paint Louis attract millions of visitors a year and have become cultural mainstays in their communities.

The art form has evolved quickly since its inception in the 1970s in Philadelphia by an artist named Cornbread, who is recognized by the Smithsonian and the STRAAT Museum as the pioneer of modern graffiti before it became widespread in New York City. Since then, many graffiti artists have expanded their artistic practice to include screen printing, sign painting, sculpture, and mixed-media art.

There is currently an exhibition at the North Dakota Museum of Art that explores the works of internationally acclaimed graffiti artists and artists whose work extends beyond graffiti, but is highly influenced by it. The exhibition is called Re-arming Language: Post-graffiti Artists, and it features works by former New York graffiti writer Stephen Powers (ESPO), whose pioneering book, “The Art of Getting Over: Graffiti at the Millennium,” provided us outsiders an insider's look at the history, culture and evolution of graffiti. It was a monumental step forward in the larger world understanding graffiti as an art form.

This exhibit is also showing works by internationally acclaimed graffiti artist legends, George Thompson (EWOK) and SHOCK UC MSK, who both have deep roots in Minnesota, but are now a part of a graffiti crew, Mad Society Kings (MSK), whose members span the globe and are chosen to be part of the group because of their extraordinary skills. MSK is recognized for high-level technical skill, color-rich pieces and technically challenging, large-scale production work.

On Thursday, April 9, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., the North Dakota Museum of Art is providing our region with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear one of the world’s most respected graffiti artists, SHOCK UC MSK, speak about his work at a Gallery Talk and Reception. During the Gallery Talk, SHOCK UC MSK will reflect on his work on display in the Museum and address the ideas that influence his creative process. He will be available for questions from the audience following the talk. Both the gallery talk and reception, including hors d’oeuvres and beverages, with SHOCK UC MSK are free and open to the public.

Then on April 10th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The North Dakota Museum of Art is providing an opportunity to learn from SHOCK UC MSK, who will teach a drawing workshop. The workshop will specifically discuss drawing as a way to prompt participants to experiment and create, with emphasis on collaboration and exchange. SHOCK UC MSK will demonstrate and provide one-on-one guidance and feedback throughout the session. The workshop costs $25, is limited to 20 people, and requires registration. (Must be 16 years old and above to register.) If you have ever been interested in graffiti art and wanted to learn more, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do so.

For more information about the Gallery Talk and Workshop, view SHOCK UC MSK. You can register for the workshop at the North Dakota Museum of Art’s website.

Jacinta Zens is a socially engaged artist who has been working with graffiti artists since 2010. Her passion for the art form has led her to spearhead the creation of several murals in the region, including the first public artwork created by the Moorhead Art and Culture Commission, facilitate the teaching of graffiti as a fine art at institutions throughout the region and curate an exhibit at the Plains Art Museum featuring graffiti artists throughout the Midwest, named “Graffiti 101”. Reach her at jacinta.zens@gmail.com.