Street Painting by Marka27
Marka27 was born Victor M QuiÒonez in Juarez, Mexico 1977. After living in East Dallas for seventeen years paying my dues as an artist and graffiti writer, I painted freights and even served 3 months time for illegal graffiti. Shortly after my release I was blessed with a scholarship to attend the Museum School of Fine Arts. I will never condemn illegal graffiti or tell some one that it wonít get you anywhere in life.
Like everything in life one must evolve and proceed to grow within their spirit, and mind. My work began to evolve in Dallas naturally because of my surroundings. Graffiti was my way of conveying a message that reflected the issues that I dealt with as a youth growing up in a drug infested neighborhood with violence and shootings every other night. Graffiti was my outlet and a way of life. It is a true subculture with a rich history and roots. I often paint images that challenge the viewers to ask questions about themselves. I try to create a dialog between my work and the viewer hoping to evoke social consciousness within that individual.
Graffiti for me is a powerful tool if used properly. It can bring empowerment to people within the urban area through compelling imagery of truth and awareness. To paint a mural that depicts strength, aptitude, unity, and pride in one self is what I live for. I have a strong passion for painting even if itís not on a wall, but my heart is with the people who struggle. The single mothers, unemployed, imprisoned, poverty stricken individuals who I see everyday that still give themselves a reason to continue, that is my reason to continue. I thank GOD for the ability to create on the level that I do.
As for community outreach I was teaching art to fifth and six graders at Roxbury Preparatory Charter School. I have also worked with a few non-profit organizations in the Boston area as an art instructor or mentor, Boston City Lights, B.Y.C.C, North Suffolk Mental Health, Boston Center for the Arts, Spontaneous Celebrations in Jamaica Plain, and The Cloud Foundation. My work has been shown at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum,Boston. S.M.F.A Grossman Gallery Boston, Boston Center For the Arts Gallery, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Harvard Square, Orange County center for contemporary art, Copley Society, Boston, 33 1/3 Books and Gallery L.A, Crewest gallery Alhambra C.A, Union 237 gallery Philly, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I was also the recipient of the Remiss award for 2002, and received an honorable mention from the Stephen D. Paine award 2002. Throughout my endeavors as a fine artist I will always stay true to my roots as a Graffiti Writer. I pray that my growth spiritually and artistically will continue to make a difference consciously and socially. I only hope to establish more meaningful and constructive relationships with those who aspire to do the same.