Tracing the Journey of Street Art at Miami's Museum of Graffiti

JonOne stands amidst his artworks showcased at Miami's Museum of Graffiti, a place where art weaves itself into the fabric of South Florida this week amidst various art festivals and events. A new expo details the journey of graffiti and street art, which the city proudly celebrates.

This unique museum claims its spot as the pioneering institution dedicated to the world of graffiti and street creativity, residing in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood area, a locale synonymous with stunning wall murals decorating nearly every available surface.

Upon entering, visitors first encounter not artwork, but the tools of the trade—specifically, classic cans of Rust-oleum spray paint. Alan Ket, who brought this museum to life, showcases a unique can. "This is Cascade green from Rust-oleum, a vintage piece from 1973," he explains.

Collectors today will pay handsomely for such nostalgic artifacts as this vividly hued green, a favorite among graffiti artists for its unmatched tone, exclusive to Rust-oleum. "Painting an aged train with this shade offers a remarkable display," Ket adds.

The museum resides in a Miami area famed for its massive and colorful murals embellishing many buildings.

Alan Ket, together with a partner, established the Museum of Graffiti six years ago, aiming to narrate the story of an art form birthed amidst the spray-painted landscapes of 1960s and 70s New York.

Jon Perello, now 61 and known artistically as JonOne, journeyed from those early tagging days to gallery showcases. Born into the graffiti realm, he began by tagging local spaces in New York’s Washington Heights, eventually viewing trains as moving canvases accessible to all.

In those earlier decades, while railway depictions faced criticism from authorities labeling it as vandalism, some artists gradually ventured from subways to more formal art settings in galleries.

The current exhibition highlights a pivotal instance when young graffiti expressions found a stage in a New York gallery, signifying a crucial shift and new direction for aspiring street artists.

Over time, the graffiti scene has permeated the globe, achieving admiration from elites of art, luxury, and even governmental circles. Esteemed works by iconic figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy now boast multi-million dollar valuations.

Ket's Museum of Graffiti charts the evolution of street art. While some prestigious institutions sporadically feature such artworks, they remain hesitant to include them in permanent collections, prompting Ket to capture these narratives through a dedicated museum.

Reflecting on earlier days, JonOne anticipated the eventual acknowledgment of his peers' artistry even when it was merely graphical expressions on subway surfaces. Yet, graffiti still wades through societal biases, often labeled as the rebellious child not welcome in the mainstream art household.

JonOne's exhibition will feature through June at the museum, while the 'Origins' exhibit, telling the tale from graffiti’s inception in 1973, will remain available for public viewing until year's end.