The VAIN Graffiti Wall: A Brief History
Photo: Art Opening & Fashion Shoot at VAIN, 2006, by Angela Dawn
VAIN downtown’s north-facing exterior wall (affectionately known as “The VAIN Graffiti Wall”) is featured in a new book, Graffiti Planet: The Best Graffiti from Around the World by Alan Ket.
VAIN owner + styledriver Victoria Thomas Gentry, who has a long relationship with graffiti starting with her years growing up in New York, had this to say about the VAIN wall’s illustrious past:
“I believe it was hit up starting in the late 80’s. The people who are on it now hit it back then. It was known as The Wall of Fame and writers from all over who came through Seattle got on it.”
“At the height of the live music era at The Vogue (now the VAIN downtown building), there were also bands’ names on it. Most memorably Mother Love Bone on the south wall before they built the condo tower now on the corner.”
“The DVS crew is who has been up there for the past few years. Sneke, Hews, Soul and Myth. The DVS crew has been working in Seattle since ‘92.”
“I appreciate graf on many levels. When I walk down a bombed out alley I see people, not vandalism, and view graffiti as vital form of communication and personal expression. A city neighborhood devoid of graffiti feels dead to me. Esthetically the old-school flavor that DVS brings to their work makes Seattle feel more like home. DVS has a great history with that wall in particular. They are a huge inspiration to many Seattle writers and have consistently put out strong pieces that have big presence, so of course I am honored to host their work!”
Graffiti Planet: The Best Graffiti from Around the World is available at Bailey/Coy Books on Capitol Hill: 414 Broadway Avenue E, Seattle | 206.323.8842.
The VAIN Graffiti Wall is available to check out 24/7 at VAIN downtown: 2018 1st Ave, where great art and great hair happen for your viewing + style pleasure.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
After many years of watching the changes, I am most happy with the current incarnation of the Graf Wall. The cartoon cat always makes me smile on the rainiest of winter days, and I take great pride in VAIN adding such a loud, visual, splash of color and of course that much needed artistic and creative display to the neighborhood! ! ! Our Style Driver RULES!
February 10th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
There are some great photographs of the south wall in the NW music section of the EMP.