Brooklyn’s own powerHouse arena will host an open forum to the public regarding the manner which Vandal Squad employs, as well as the influence members have on the lives of writers. Moderated by Stern Rockwell, founder of Streets are Saying Things, the event is on March 19 from 7-9 P.M.
Scheduled for attendance in this moment of history are: Vandal Squad author Joseph Rivera, former commanding officer Lieutenant Steven Mona, original Vandal Squad Lieutenant Ken Chiulli, graffiti activist Ket, graffiti legend COPE2, and street artist Ellis G.
According to the author, the Vandal Squad was initiated in the early 80s’ to protect New York City’s subway arrangements. I could imagine with the increasing popularity of hip hop, the amount of work done to trains that more than likely expressed a commitment and desire for the craft of street art. It was the Vandal Squad’s duty to stop the damage done to the train’s property (busted windows, destroyed train seats). For the Vandal Squad, this art went far beyond the tag of a name (or alias) which led members to create specialized units for the search of these unknown artists, aka VANDALS. Missions set on catching famed taggers over a period of time led to the publishing of Vandal Squad: Inside the New York City Transit Police Department, 1984-2004 by Joseph Rivera.
There are always two sides to every story - on the other side we have the artists. This collaborative discussion between former members of the Vandal Squad and the graffiti writers is said to be the first occasion of its kind. Anyone interested in learning more about the controversial outlook on graffiti (as well as debates on street art) can check out the rest of the information here, or RSVP to the powerHouse arena following the link RSVP@powerHouseArena.com and check it out yourself.
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