Artists • Interviews > :: Who is John Public?::
The NYC Transit system is always under some type of repair and delays are common. We are always looking for those postings that instruct us what they are up to. Recently there have been several announcements that have been popping up that have more interesting news to announce.
These messages that are now being posted are in reference to Peter Vallone,Jr, thanks to John Public.
A website called Whereandy.com has taken an altererd version of the template used for these posters and made them available to the public.
John Public has take full advantage of this opporitunity to voice his opinions of NYC take on the recent NYC graffiti movement.
When SASTER asked ‘What started the idea to start putting up these posters?’,
Public’s reply was:, ” I saw an article in the NY Times about the fake subway sign maker: www.whereandy.com. Also I’ve been listening and hearing more and more about KIKO getting 7 years possibly for graffiti and this idiot Peter Vallone Jr. continually using graffiti as his political soapbox and calling all writers “punks” even COPE2 who was legally paid a few months back to do a billboard for TIME magazine.”
[Kiko is a NYC graffiti writer that is currently being prosecuted for alleged damage done in NYC. The penalties he is facing seem to be rather harsh in the views of graffiti writers that are on the inside of the trade.]
Here is our interview with John Public:
Saster: Where are you from? Are you originally from New York?
John Public: From NY. Been here all my life.
Saster: Are there other projects that you are currently working on?
John Public: I’m just trying to get all the lines done with some sort of anti-Vallone / pro-KIKO statements. I’ve only hit the L and M. Lot of lines to go.
Saster: Are you originally a ‘writer’ that decided to make a statement?
John Public: No but I love graffiti. It’s pure, free, and even though some if it ugly as hell, does produce gems here and there that make the whole thing worth it. I feel like allot of graffiti is all about ego these days. Back in the day writers used to do political statement and concepts that go way beyond just their name and their fame.
Saster: After putting up your posters, are you getting any responses regarding your actions?
John Public: Yes. I’ve seen them pop up in a few news stories. I contacted this guy Bucky Turco who seems real media savvy and with the cause. He then helped forward my images to the press. On www.whereandy.com they actually show a bunch of the press stories involving my posters.
Again the whole point of these posters is mostly to raise awareness. We know graffiti can be a problem and allot of it, I hate to admit, is ugly as hell. However, a graffiti writer should never, ever go to jail for writing their name and vandalizing. This city needs a lot of work done and that’s how these kids should be punished: community service, but never jail time. That is ridiculous. You will create even worse criminals and will end up creating more harm then good when these people have to go out and get jobs etc…
Saster: Are there any new posters that you are going to put up? Is this going to be an ongoing effort against Vallone?
John Public: Yes. For each line a new poster is created. Key is that is blasts Vallone and more importantly brings public awareness to the sentences dished out to convicted graffiti writers and other street artisans.
Saster: Do you think that the MTA is aware of your posters? Have there been any contacts from the MTA?
John Public: The MTA is def. aware of the posters. In some of the articles they mention not being thrilled about them. Check www.whereandy.com
Saster: What borough do you rep?
John Public: I love ‘em all, well, except for Staten Island kind of, I don’t fuck with no ferries.
Saster: The posters that you have created look like the real thing. Do you have a graphic design background?
John Public: Nah. although I do have some art direction and stuff under my belt. And although I would love to take credit for the whole poster design I just fill in the blanks, literally. It was the dude over at www.whereandy.com that created the dynamic PDF program so everyone can make their own posters. You should try it out. I love that he created that program. You can even pick what line and all sorts of other stuff. I hope other people will be putting these shits up too. It seems like a real good eye catcher medium.
The posters are quite convincing when viewed at first glance, so please make sure you clearly follow the instructions posted..and watch the closing doors.
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February 7th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Stern,
This article is hot!
Stay FLY!
February 10th, 2006 at 7:22 am
When is it enough with the fare hikes and the money that these mta execs are hoarding amongst themselves. fuck all of these clowns.
March 1st, 2006 at 10:15 pm
I wanna thank those graff writer’s for all the support. I think this is BS! I should’nt have to do time for writing “KIKO” on walls & etc. I’m willing to clean up! If I knew I was gonna spend 1 to 7 years in jail for graffiti… I would have never done it! It’ s not worth it.
March 23rd, 2006 at 1:00 pm
once again i wanna give cope 2 the props respect and credit he deserves 4 all them years he.s been doing his thing in the game and still even after 25 years he still catch,s reck.he deserves his shine and his props.cope 2 is one of the coolest and biggest writter i ever met in my life!!!
April 17th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
Free Kiko:lol::lol:
May 10th, 2006 at 7:24 am
Let’s just be a bit honest here. I think Jesus Saves isn’t all “upstairs”. To think someone is walking around with the self given name of Jesus, is just too big of a Jesus complex. And in doing illegal activity, does this really mean you are going to “save” people?
Kind of a crazy bloke.
May 12th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
oh my god this vallone is a media dickface!
May 26th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
SeeK R U A Writer???
Wht do u have against my Man Jesussaves???
He’s Just trying to bring his two passions 2gether
July 24th, 2006 at 1:02 am
man fuck vallone im comming back to the graff game as a sticker king rip say