#FREEREVOK - Takin' It Down

Decep One and Pemex give a shout out to Free Revok.

This is at the spot of Revok and friend's big mural on Fairfax, and we don't know who, or if someone is trying to keep Revok down, but the sign did get taken down, and laid on the property. The fence that was here for a long time around the property is also missing as well.

#FREEREVOK - Takin' It Down

Decep One and Pemex give a shout out to Free Revok.

This is at the spot of Revok and friend's big mural on Fairfax, and we don't know who, or if someone is trying to keep Revok down, but the sign did get taken down, and laid on the property. The fence that was here for a long time around the property is also missing as well.

Revoked

Revok held this wall for a long time and still has a bomb running on the upper left. The style is so sick, can't make out these letters--Bulk(?).

Revoked

Revok held this wall for a long time and still has a bomb running on the upper left. The style is so sick, can't make out these letters--Bulk(?).

More Ways to #FreeRevok-UPDATE

In addition to the Revok print by Askew, there is another way to help support Revok by raising money for his legal defense fund by getting one of these Free Revok t-shirts from the Seventh Letter.

We also heard there is a photo of Revok to raise funds, but we don't have any info on that.

Also, check out this break down by Logan Hicks of how obscenely high Revok's bail was set.

***UPDATE: Our understanding is that 100% of proceeds from each of these fundraisers goes to support Revok's legal defense fund. Which is important for the reasons listed below in the comments.***

More Ways to #FreeRevok-UPDATE

In addition to the Revok print by Askew, there is another way to help support Revok by raising money for his legal defense fund by getting one of these Free Revok t-shirts from the Seventh Letter.

We also heard there is a photo of Revok to raise funds, but we don't have any info on that.

Also, check out this break down by Logan Hicks of how obscenely high Revok's bail was set.

***UPDATE: Our understanding is that 100% of proceeds from each of these fundraisers goes to support Revok's legal defense fund. Which is important for the reasons listed below in the comments.***

The Real Reason Revok Was Arrested

The trumped up charges against Revok have reeked of suspicion ever since his arrest. From nabbing Revok in the first place for a parole violation and not a new crime, to the exorbitant $320,000 bail, to be sentenced to half a year in jail a day after the arrest, the whole thing seemed like there was something bigger going on.

The LAPD were clearly looking for someone to make an example of doing graffiti outside MOCA. But when they hadn't made an arrest on the streets after the first week, they wanted a high profile name to take down. There was probably a short list of high profile arrests, so short, there was probably only one name on it--Revok.

We think that the real reason that the LAPD went after Revok so viciously and in such an aggressive manner is because Revok has fought back against police brutality by posting stories of police abuse on his website, like this one describing how the cop (pictured above) had eventually been fired for raping a woman while on duty, but no charges have been pressed against him. And the woman was further abused by the system. After she had 'called 911 for help, when police arrived she was victimized repeatedly – sexually assaulted, mistreated by backup officers and then jailed on trumped-up charges when she refused to remain silent'. Since the mainstream media rarely touches real stories like this anymore and doesn't do investigative journalism, Revok dared to give the story some light. And because of his doing this, all indications seem to suggest that his arrest was not because of the violation, it was personal.

And now Revok has been abused by the system.

Regardless of how people feel about graffiti or vandalism, everyone should be alarmed about the way that this case has been handled, and the way in which Revok's rights to due process have been trampled. Being a graffiti writer, society might label Revok as a 'criminal', but it is clear from the way that this has been handled that the real bad guys are the ones who put him behind bars.

You can still show your support for Revok by helping raise money for his legal defense fund over on 1xRUN.

The Real Reason Revok Was Arrested

The trumped up charges against Revok have reeked of suspicion ever since his arrest. From nabbing Revok in the first place for a parole violation and not a new crime, to the exorbitant $320,000 bail, to be sentenced to half a year in jail a day after the arrest, the whole thing seemed like there was something bigger going on.

The LAPD were clearly looking for someone to make an example of doing graffiti outside MOCA. But when they hadn't made an arrest on the streets after the first week, they wanted a high profile name to take down. There was probably a short list of high profile arrests, so short, there was probably only one name on it--Revok.

We think that the real reason that the LAPD went after Revok so viciously and in such an aggressive manner is because Revok has fought back against police brutality by posting stories of police abuse on his website, like this one describing how the cop (pictured above) had eventually been fired for raping a woman while on duty, but no charges have been pressed against him. And the woman was further abused by the system. After she had 'called 911 for help, when police arrived she was victimized repeatedly – sexually assaulted, mistreated by backup officers and then jailed on trumped-up charges when she refused to remain silent'. Since the mainstream media rarely touches real stories like this anymore and doesn't do investigative journalism, Revok dared to give the story some light. And because of his doing this, all indications seem to suggest that his arrest was not because of the violation, it was personal.

And now Revok has been abused by the system.

Regardless of how people feel about graffiti or vandalism, everyone should be alarmed about the way that this case has been handled, and the way in which Revok's rights to due process have been trampled. Being a graffiti writer, society might label Revok as a 'criminal', but it is clear from the way that this has been handled that the real bad guys are the ones who put him behind bars.

You can still show your support for Revok by helping raise money for his legal defense fund over on 1xRUN.

#FREEREVOK -UPDATE!

This is our first attempt at #trending on Twitter.

Revok's website is encouraging folks to keep the word out there, and we are happy to support the cause. You can also help get the word out there by sending #FREEREVOK out on the social networking sites.

We heard word of a fundraiser for Revok, but no hard details. Anyone have any information on that?

***UPDATE-Thanks. The fundraiser is a collaborative effort from Askew/Known Gallery/1xRun and 100% of the proceeds from this piece go to Revok's defense fund. Here is what it says on the site, and make sure to visit to support Revok, and get a cool piece of art in the process. We just ordered ours--#0035. Show your support and help #FREEREVOK***

ASKEW, Known Gallery, and 1xRUN have teamed up to raise money for REVOK’s Legal Defense Fund
Today we’re releasing a print by ASKEW, and 100% of the proceeds will go to REVOK’s legal defense fund. In light of the recent arrest of REVOK, we’re releasing this print to help the cause. REVOK has been a big supporter of past 1xRUN releases and we’re down to do what we can to help.

"A few weeks ago I completed this painting for my good friend Revok. At the time it was purely a symbol of appreciation for the support and friendship he has shown me over the time I've
known him. At the time I put this image up on the Internet I said that it's one thing to meet an artist that you admire so much and they give you the time of day but for them to become such a loyal friend, so staunchly in your corner -that's something I'm grateful for beyond words.

It saddens me that today I know my friend has been dragged into the system - a system that fears what he represents to others and as a result he is subject to being made an example of to deter others. In the midst of Los Angeles' current climate, with a war waged on art in public space that is excessive to say the least I also feel that Revok has become a symbol for the city and law enforcements anger. The danger of this is the way it can skew the course of true justice and the basic right to a fair and objective treatment within the system.

Those that know the entire story know what I am talking about. The lengths that law enforcement, particularly the LA County Sheriffs Department have gone to harass Revok over the past 3 years. The amount of energy and resources that have gone into pursuing and convicting him could only be justified if what I am saying is correct. Revok has transcended beyond being just another person doing graffiti to become a leader and a major influence on writers the world over. There is significant power in that - he has become a symbol and the powers that be seek to destroy that.

My fears for my friend is that although he has been sentenced that it's not over. Now that he is trapped within the system they could potentially seek to charge him with more - a fact alluded to in yesterday's news reports. This is a tactic often employed by law enforcement - to make defending yourself a financially exhaustive scenario, not to mention with significant restrictions of communication being that he is already incarcerated. It is not cheap to defend yourself in the US legal system and with no means to earn money while locked up this a very real concern.

This is why today I'm appealing to Revok's fans, friends and supporters to do what they can to help him out. The good people at 1XRun have offered to run an edition of this wall I painted as a quality Giclee print to help raise money for any costs related to supporting Revok in this crazy situation.

I thank you all in advance for your time and support. Let us as a community set a positive precedent and stand up for a person that has given so much influence to this art form." - ASKEW

#FREEREVOK -UPDATE!

This is our first attempt at #trending on Twitter.

Revok's website is encouraging folks to keep the word out there, and we are happy to support the cause. You can also help get the word out there by sending #FREEREVOK out on the social networking sites.

We heard word of a fundraiser for Revok, but no hard details. Anyone have any information on that?

***UPDATE-Thanks. The fundraiser is a collaborative effort from Askew/Known Gallery/1xRun and 100% of the proceeds from this piece go to Revok's defense fund. Here is what it says on the site, and make sure to visit to support Revok, and get a cool piece of art in the process. We just ordered ours--#0035. Show your support and help #FREEREVOK***

ASKEW, Known Gallery, and 1xRUN have teamed up to raise money for REVOK’s Legal Defense Fund
Today we’re releasing a print by ASKEW, and 100% of the proceeds will go to REVOK’s legal defense fund. In light of the recent arrest of REVOK, we’re releasing this print to help the cause. REVOK has been a big supporter of past 1xRUN releases and we’re down to do what we can to help.

"A few weeks ago I completed this painting for my good friend Revok. At the time it was purely a symbol of appreciation for the support and friendship he has shown me over the time I've
known him. At the time I put this image up on the Internet I said that it's one thing to meet an artist that you admire so much and they give you the time of day but for them to become such a loyal friend, so staunchly in your corner -that's something I'm grateful for beyond words.

It saddens me that today I know my friend has been dragged into the system - a system that fears what he represents to others and as a result he is subject to being made an example of to deter others. In the midst of Los Angeles' current climate, with a war waged on art in public space that is excessive to say the least I also feel that Revok has become a symbol for the city and law enforcements anger. The danger of this is the way it can skew the course of true justice and the basic right to a fair and objective treatment within the system.

Those that know the entire story know what I am talking about. The lengths that law enforcement, particularly the LA County Sheriffs Department have gone to harass Revok over the past 3 years. The amount of energy and resources that have gone into pursuing and convicting him could only be justified if what I am saying is correct. Revok has transcended beyond being just another person doing graffiti to become a leader and a major influence on writers the world over. There is significant power in that - he has become a symbol and the powers that be seek to destroy that.

My fears for my friend is that although he has been sentenced that it's not over. Now that he is trapped within the system they could potentially seek to charge him with more - a fact alluded to in yesterday's news reports. This is a tactic often employed by law enforcement - to make defending yourself a financially exhaustive scenario, not to mention with significant restrictions of communication being that he is already incarcerated. It is not cheap to defend yourself in the US legal system and with no means to earn money while locked up this a very real concern.

This is why today I'm appealing to Revok's fans, friends and supporters to do what they can to help him out. The good people at 1XRun have offered to run an edition of this wall I painted as a quality Giclee print to help raise money for any costs related to supporting Revok in this crazy situation.

I thank you all in advance for your time and support. Let us as a community set a positive precedent and stand up for a person that has given so much influence to this art form." - ASKEW

Revok Sentenced to 180 Days in Jail

Every accused criminal has the right to a speedy trial, but when a case is pushed through the court system less than a day after the arrest, it seems that the process is more suspect than the suspect.

The LA Times is reporting that Revok has already been sentenced by a judge to 180 days in jail. This entire case seems fishy, and the real crime seems to be the abusive, authoritative, and heavy handed method that the LAPD has employed with Revok.

Revok was arrested by a special LAPD vandal squad at LAX. Revok was taken into custody and had the insane bail amount set at $320,000. To put that in perspective, OJ's bail was set at $250,000 and a child molester gets $100,000. Furthermore, Revok wasn't even charged with a new crime. All he was charged with, and found guilty of, was violating the terms of his parole. But as soon as he was arrested, the LAPD issued a press release touting a 'high profile' graffiti arrest.

The biggest crime in this saga has been the way that the LAPD has handled this case. At best, the LAPD shows an overaggressive appetite to pursue art 'criminals'. And at worst, it is an Orwellian example of an abusive government, reminiscent of the KGB or Nazi Germany.

No doubt that this most recent arrest is going to make Revok's name ring out bigger and louder than ever. And he is going to reap the rewards of this arrest once he gets out of jail. But it sucks that it had to happen--and the way it happened, and our thoughts and wishes are with Revok during his 180 day stint in jail.

Revok Sentenced to 180 Days in Jail

Every accused criminal has the right to a speedy trial, but when a case is pushed through the court system less than a day after the arrest, it seems that the process is more suspect than the suspect.

The LA Times is reporting that Revok has already been sentenced by a judge to 180 days in jail. This entire case seems fishy, and the real crime seems to be the abusive, authoritative, and heavy handed method that the LAPD has employed with Revok.

Revok was arrested by a special LAPD vandal squad at LAX. Revok was taken into custody and had the insane bail amount set at $320,000. To put that in perspective, OJ's bail was set at $250,000 and a child molester gets $100,000. Furthermore, Revok wasn't even charged with a new crime. All he was charged with, and found guilty of, was violating the terms of his parole. But as soon as he was arrested, the LAPD issued a press release touting a 'high profile' graffiti arrest.

The biggest crime in this saga has been the way that the LAPD has handled this case. At best, the LAPD shows an overaggressive appetite to pursue art 'criminals'. And at worst, it is an Orwellian example of an abusive government, reminiscent of the KGB or Nazi Germany.

No doubt that this most recent arrest is going to make Revok's name ring out bigger and louder than ever. And he is going to reap the rewards of this arrest once he gets out of jail. But it sucks that it had to happen--and the way it happened, and our thoughts and wishes are with Revok during his 180 day stint in jail.

Revok Arrested at LAX

Even though the LAPD have been telling major news outlets that the graffiti around MOCA is a big problem, they have no arrests to show for it, and even botched the one stop they did make (as Space Invader was fortunate enough to get away after placing his art).

So, in what reeks of a big publicity stunt in an effort to save face, the LAPD is announcing that they arrested Revok at the LA Airport. The police themselves are touting it as a 'high profile' apprehension. Like it has been shown on many TV shows, we can picture the brass of the LAPD sitting around saying 'get us something to show on tv!'. Its unfortunate that the LAPD felt they had to make an example of someone, and even more unfortunate that Revok had to take the fall.

Revok is an incredible graffiti artist who not only hits the streets, but also is one of the most celebrated muralists in the world and was even part of MOCA's current 'Art In the Streets' exhibition.

Via LAist.

Revok Arrested at LAX

Even though the LAPD have been telling major news outlets that the graffiti around MOCA is a big problem, they have no arrests to show for it, and even botched the one stop they did make (as Space Invader was fortunate enough to get away after placing his art).

So, in what reeks of a big publicity stunt in an effort to save face, the LAPD is announcing that they arrested Revok at the LA Airport. The police themselves are touting it as a 'high profile' apprehension. Like it has been shown on many TV shows, we can picture the brass of the LAPD sitting around saying 'get us something to show on tv!'. Its unfortunate that the LAPD felt they had to make an example of someone, and even more unfortunate that Revok had to take the fall.

Revok is an incredible graffiti artist who not only hits the streets, but also is one of the most celebrated muralists in the world and was even part of MOCA's current 'Art In the Streets' exhibition.

Via LAist.

Dead Stickers

There were other victims of Graffiti Removal Systems recent trip down Fairfax.

In addition to their illegally breaking an entering and buffing a commissioned graffiti wall, there are stickers littered all over the ground after being ripped off by Graffiti Removal Systems.

The street looks unusually barren, and some people might like the look of the city without street art, graffiti and stickers. But there are plenty of suburbs for that, and we think it is an intricate part of Los Angeles, especially the Melrose and Fairfax area, and the art should be celebrated. Its what makes the area so special.

Stickers on the ground from Eyeworm, Revok, Xvala, and more.

Buffman Buffing Himself (pt 1/2)

It looks like the shit hit the fan, and in an unprecedented move, the Graffiti Removal Buff Squad returned to the spot that they buffed yesterday on Fairfax, and tried to remove their buff paint from the mural.

After the buff squad had broken through a locked gate and painted over a mural without the owner's permission, people were outraged.

The workers told M&F that they had got a call from the city to remove the wall. Don't know if that's true or not, but this wasn't just any graffiti mural. This was a mural with some of the biggest names in the world--Retna, Rime, Revok, Saber, Norm, Os Gemeos. And we are skeptical that about this paint removal plan, and doubt that the wall will look anywhere near as nice as it did before.

A few years ago, a private artist won $30,000 from the city after the city had illegally buffed the outdoor mural. We'd love to see something like this happen here for a couple of reasons. One, to score a victory for the outlaw good guys, the artists. And even more importantly, so that private buff companies, and buildings with murals on them will think carefully before having art removed.

Meanwhile, online the backlash has been so severe that Graffiti Removal Squad removed their Facebook page last night after an onslaught of negative comments.

Interested to see how this paint removal turns out, and stay tuned to MELROSEandFAIRFAX to see how it continues to play out.

Oh Shit! Now You Fucked Up!!

There are some walls you just don't touch--and especially when the owner wants the art on the building. The buffman fucked up by taking down this particular piece on Fairfax that featured some of the top graffiti and street artists in the world, especially since they took the fence down and broke an entering to get in. Click the jump for more

We have covered this piece many, many times and mentioned how it is hands down our favorite wall ever.

And today, a private company named Graffiti Control Systems came to this wall on Fairfax and forced an entering by taking the fence off its hinges, and then starting to paint over over the wall. People noticed and called the police and the building owner, who came over and chased the workers off the wall. Unfortunately, most of the wall was ruined by that time.

The wall featured amazing work from Retna, Revok, Saber, Os Gemeos, Rime, and Norm.

We really hope that there is a severe smack down in this case. Graffiti and street art are really being embraced in a new way by society, and in this situation here, the real criminals are the buff men.

Top picture sent into us by Kevin, and the rest of the pictures were taken from LA TACO. To read a more thorough and comprehensive coverage that raises some really good points, make sure to check out the articles on LA TACO and Revok.

Get Up, Stay Up - Revok in Heaven

Revok defines 'Get Up, Stay Up', and he does it with style. Click the jump for more

Revok is legendary in the graffiti world.

He has a name, has the fame, the cops are after him, yet he is still killin it.

Revok not only gets top spots, but he hits them with beautiful, colorful burners, like this billboard heaven here in Los Angeles.

Stay up~

Keep Smilin'

Dint Wooer Krsna smiling in front of the graffiti wall on Fairfax from Retna, Revok, Rime, Norm, Saber, Os Gemeos.

Framed So Well

New street art across from The Hundreds on Rosewood.

We love this spot because the graffiti wall in the background makes such a great frame for the shot.

New street art from Dint Wooer, Bankrupt Slut, Betso, Charlie Sheen, Tiger Blood, and hand drawn sticker from unknown artist.

The graffiti mural features work from Revok, Saber, Rime, Norm, Retna, and Os Gemeos.