Introduction

Graffiti for all

Compared to contemporary art, graffiti shares similarities in its socio-cultural status in ASEAN countries and Korea. This project aims to contribute to the creation of a stable and sustainable Korea-ASEAN graffiti creative ecosystem through cooperative efforts to archive and research the past and present of the relatively unstable creative ecosystem and its underprivileged environment compared to mainstream culture. The project was motivated by the need to archive, research, and exhibit the micro-messages that have been excluded from the dominant discourse. Graffiti, as a medium for conveying societal needs, carries inherent social and cultural utility. Through this initiative, we aspire to contribute to strengthening social inclusion, preserving cultural diversity, and enhancing the creative ecosystem for graffiti artists in the Korea-ASEAN region.

Participants

The Korea Street Culture Federation (KOR)

The Korea Street Culture Federation was established in 2017 and has been conducting research, exhibitions, education, and networking to improve cultural accessibility at home and abroad. We are concerned about the sustainable production and consumption of cultural arts and have been conducting exhibitions, performances, education, and research through cultural and artistic exchanges with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Senegal, and Sweden, under the value of culture and arts for all. 

The Korea Street Culture Federation directed this project in collaboration with Xeva, one of Korea's leading graffiti artists.

Darbotz, Katun, and Clogtwo (ID, MY, SG)

Darbotz, Katun, and Clogtwo are renowned graffiti artists recognized not only in the ASEAN region but also on the international stage. Originating from Jakarta, Indonesia, Darbotz is celebrated for his iconic black-and-white monster characters, which embody the hectic chaos and grit of urban life—an aspect highlighted in an exhibition at the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju. Katun, a Malaysian artist based in Kuala Lumpur, merges bold and colorful imagery with cartoon influences, creating graffiti that exudes energy and personality. Singapore-based artist Clogtwo emphasizes design in his graffiti, showcasing a style defined by structural elements and futuristic aesthetics. Over the past decade, these three artists have collaborated to cultivate and elevate the ASEAN graffiti scene.