The Top 12 NYC Graffiti Moments of 2012

The year 2012 proved to be another notable chapter for the graffiti history books. I decided to take a moment to reflect on what I feel were some of The Top 12 New York City Graffiti Moments of 2012.

Written by Billy Schon @freshpaintnyc / freshpaintnyc.com

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How & Nosm painted a huge mural on the famous Houston and Bowery wall that millions of people pass everyday.

It couldn't be any worse timing to hear rumors that graffiti pioneer TRACY168 was missing and/or passed away during New York's Hurricane Sandy. While everyone was writing R.I.P. messages all over the Internet worldwide, his closest friends still had yet to provide any actual confirmation. A week later there was confirmation that he had been found and is well. The whole situation was very bizarre.

This created news headlines and respect from graffiti writers from all around the world. Only a few graffiti writers in history attempted this, making it pretty historical.

This was a rare opportunity to see these legendary graffiti pioneers (Futura, Phase 2, and Rammellzee (R.I.P.)) along with Chilean abstract expressionist, Roberto Matta, do a show together at a Joseph Nahmad pop-up gallery space.

In 2012 we lost some legendary graffiti writers (SOME TVS, Stay High, Alive5 CIA FBA, PNUT2, Ark RFC, and Nekst). Their spirits will live on for generations.

If you weren't around in the '80s and '90s to see these guys up, now's your chance. Living legends of New York City street-bombing and graffiti history came back strong in 2012. Notable street bombers to take note of would be EASY, FIB, TRAP, SEN4, JOSH5, NOXER, JA, FOE, DESA, KECH, STU AOB, and COST KRT. 2012 also marked the return of the legendary DERO TFA.

Through friends contributing art work for sale, donations, and T-shirt sales, TERROR161 pulled together over $20,000 for Stay High 149's son and daughter. TERROR161 presented the checks live on the air with DJ Kay Slay on his Sirius XM radio show.

Klughaus Gallery opened in December 2011 leading up to a full, successful year in 2012-exhibiting unique shows by artists such as Jesse Edwards, Oblvn, Lush, ATG Crew, Jurne, Reyes & Steel MSK, Rime MSK & Toper, and many more. They are currently in the process of moving their space for 2013.

A political mural by Alan Ket and friends included the word "Murderers" and tombstones for groups like the EPA, BP, and the NYPD. The mural made news headlines and was painted over by police, which led to the issue of freedom of speech vs. censorship.

Original Tats Cru member and Drum & Bass innovator Goldie from the UK made a rare appearance by coming out to paint with the Tats Cru at their wall. The New York Times, Henry Chalfant, and Joe Conzo were also in attendance documenting the action.

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In Brooklyn, the legendary french crew 123KLAN (Scien and Klor) celebrated their 20th year anniversary "house party style." Friends and family that came out to celebrate included Nychos from Austria, Dabs Myla from Los Angeles, Akuma from Montreal, Mickey TFP from Amsterdam, Flying Fortress, Kem5, Cope2, Indie, Ket RIS, Sye TC5, Venom2 TC5, Doc TC5, Owns, Sebs, Cekis, and many more. A wall jam with everyone went down the following day.

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"Graffiti" is far from dead when you got guys out there painting full-color pieces with backgrounds and characters on live outdoor subway tracks in 2012, plus staying up long enough and running longer than most would expect. If you ride the subway, keep your eyes open.