ASD Labs - 212.866.4402

This is a classic video of KAWS doing his first bus stops in NYC (and for some reason a billboard in Tokyo too). It’s great to see this old footage and then realize where KAWS is today; he is without a doubt one of the most sought after and respected artists in the commercial world to have been spawned from the graffiti/street art genre.

Via [Wooster Collective]

Following the below post on 11 Spring Street, I felt it was necessary to put up this photograph of the building located just down the street. Right on the corner of Spring and Bowery sits another canvas of street artist and graffiti writers. While this building never reached the notoriety of 11 Spring Street, it’s walls have still been graced with the works of REVS, Judith Supine, WK, Shepard Fairey, the IRAK crew and many, many more. Now the majority of the building is covered in memorial graffiti for Joey Semz. Props.

It has been over a year now since NYC, nay the World lost one of the most valuable street art canvases ever to exist. For years 11 Spring Street was the equivalent of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with the works of modern day Michaelangelo’s gracing every inch of it. 11 Spring Street amplified the difference between graffiti and street art (because yes, there is a HUGE difference) and the battle and embracing between these two cultures. The walls were constantly changing and telling the stories of those putting their mark on them and tales of the city. The reason I am writing about 11 Spring so long after it has been covered in construction tarps and scaffolding, in the interim of being whitewashed and becoming multi-million dollar condo’s, is simple, I walked passed the decomposed shell of a building that was once a gorgeous piece of art, life and NYC and just missed it. This is yet another example of old and true NYC being phased out into anywhere U.S.A.

R.I.P. 11 Spring.

For more information and images check out these links:
Wooster Collective, Wooster On Spring, NY Times, Streetsy

Remember the good old days when graffiti was free and if a building, van or anything else had any sign of it present, it was painted over - it was the rebels vs the establishment. Well apparently every wanna-be who never picked up a Meanstreak in their life, wants to latch onto the culture and own a piece of the lifestyle. Just a few days ago a Banksy wall sold for $400k on eBay and now a van painted by Kaws, Neckface and Faile is up for grabs on the hock site. If you wanna pay a few grand for this van, start bidding here.

The legendary Kaws resently released his latest must have for all you toy connoisseurs. Kaws’ take on Darth Vader is all you would expect from the man! Check out the detailed pics here.

If you weren’t able to get one already, there are a bunch for sale on
eBay already. Expect to pay about $500-