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Material Information

Title:
Oral History Interview with KEDS
Creator:
Reyes, Steven (KEDS) ( Narrator )
Nastasi, Vincent ( Interviewer )
Publisher:
Museum of Graffiti
Publication Date:
Language:
English
Physical Description:
03:21:25

Notes

Abstract:
This interview with Steven Reyes, also known as "KEDS," explores his 33-plus years as a graffiti writer in Miami. KEDS began his journey into graffiti in 1986, starting with the tag "COKIE" during his elementary school years. He reflects on how Miami's graffiti scene evolved from a small, underground movement in the mid-1980s to a well-established part of the city's urban culture by the late 1980s and 1990s. Through influences such as the book Subway Art and movies like Wild Style and Style Wars, KEDS found inspiration, eventually joining the DAM Crew, a prominent graffiti collective. He recounts his humble beginnings growing up in a poor family, the influence of his older brother who was also an artist, and the intersections of graffiti with gang culture during Miami's "Cocaine Cowboys" era. The interview also delves into KEDS' experience with breakdancing before fully committing to graffiti and discusses the iconic graffiti spots in Miami, including abandoned buildings dubbed "penits." Throughout the interview, KEDS reflects on the importance of fame and competition in graffiti, as well as his artistic growth within the DAM Crew.
Funding:
This content is part of a Mellon Foundation-funded project coordinated by the Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab (WPHL) at FIU and eight community partner institutions titled “Community Data Curation: Preserving, Creating, and Narrating Everyday Stories.”
Creation/Production Credits:
Vincent Nastasi edited and transcribed this interview.

Record Information

Source Institution:
Museum of Graffiti
Holding Location:
Museum of Graffiti
Rights Management:
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/

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