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Battle with Vapours

Nineteen Eighty Nine

After twenty-three years as a graffiti artist, Falko is widely regarded as an integral part of the foundation and development of South Africa’s graffiti scene.

After a short stint studying graphic design, Falko decided to instead perfect the art form that kept him occupied during his years at high school. His work soon became a recognized feature around the Cape Flats, and eventually around the country.

Early Days.

 22 December 1988 Falko painted his first graffiti peice. Within a few months, he became consumed with graffiti art. Since then he has dedicated the larger part of his life to murals with spray can.

The picture above, of Falko and his piece in 1989 at Westridge High School in Mitchells Plain. This school and area helped incubate hip hop culture until it was ready to hatch and roam the rest of Cape Town and South Africa. 

In 1996, with the support of Plascon, Falko organized and hosted South Africa`s first ever graffiti competition called BATTLE WITH VAPOURS. With only 5 writers competing, it was the first stepping stone in the development of graffiti art in Southern Africa.

The contest became an annual event at different locations that included Grassy Park civic centre but reached its best years when it was hosted as part of the Alex Groll Cup at Canal Walk, Cape Town.

The picture above is of the t-shirt made by Plascon for the event.

With the support of Professor Sandra Klopper, the very first graffiti exhibition in South Africa was hosted by the University of Stellenbosch in 1999. 

It was called WRITING RELIGIOUSLY. The venue was a converted church into gallery space and with their dedication and selfless sacrifice to graffiti art it was aptly named.

The YMB and TVA crews were the artists.

 

The picture above is the invite.

 

In the beginning of 1998 Mitchells Plain welcomed Loomit (GER), Darco (FR), Can2 (GER), Esher (GER), Mr.E (AUS) and Solo one (UK). This was a short but very influential visit from the foreigners.

A popular night club in Mitchells Plain called WESTRIDGE CITY became a monumental building covered with pieces from everyone that visited in those months. The building was South Africa`s first Hall of Fame.

The picture above is a collaboration with international artists that included ape Town's own Ice, Sky189 and Falko. 

Writing Religiously

Mitchells Plain

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