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SJK 171 (Graffiti Artist) (aka Steve the Greek) is one of the earliest New York City graffiti artists of the late 1960s and 1970s. He is generally credited with originating the "swiggly lines", a style of outlining graffiti. His work was the first triple outline, large colorful letters to appear on the 1 Line of the New York City Transit System. This was documented in early 1971. He was also known as "King of the A-Trains", meaning his graffiti dominated the A of the New York City Transit Authority. Later, he was one of the founding members of the United Graffiti Artists.
Contents
SJK 171 and Taki 183 the 2 earliest graffiti artist are both of Greek heritage and both from the very small Greek community in Washington Heights. He began writing in 1968 under the name SJK 171 with Mike 171. SJK 171 attended High School of Art and Design along with a number of other early graffiti artists.
Visit his official website: www.sjk171.net
History
It was in early 1971 that SJK 171 was the first to use the "swiggly radiant energy lines" that 10 years later were used by Keith Haring. SJK171 is also credited with pioneering the use of arrows in graffiti writing around this same time.
In 1972, SJK 171 as one of the founding members of United Graffiti Artists, a professional graffiti collective which began to attract media attention. He was featured in an important essay on graffiti art by Richard Goldstein which appeared in New York Magazine and inspired a new generation of graffiti artists.
The University of Chicago The Renaissance Society displayed the first Spray enamel on canvas 24" x 36".
SJK 171 was one of the first documenters on photographing graffiti on the NYC subway trains and platforms. He was also one of the first to add colors and larger letters to his designs on the trains. The large colorful letters were called masterpieces. SJK 171 was also a DJ performing at clubs/events during the 1970s.
Public Attention
1973: SJK 171 was featured in the design backdrop at the City Center, in New York City. Presenting The Joffrey Ballet and Twyla Tharp Dance, song by The Beach Boys. Twyla Tharp was one of the featured dancers. February, 8th 1973.
2006: SJK 171 was published in Howling Near Heaven By: Marcia B. Siegel. Page: 87 This includes an image of the design backdrop Presenting The Joffrey Ballet and Twyla Tharp Dance. ISBN 0-312-23294-2
2009: SJK 171 was published in Born in the Streets Graffiti By: Foundation Cartier, pour l'art contemporain. ISBN 978-0-500-97695-1
2011: SJK 171 was featured in the book, The History of American Graffiti, By: Roger Gastman & Caleb Neelon ISBN 978-0-06-169878-1. In that same year his work was featured alongside a collaboration canvas in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. April 17 - August 8, 2011. Leading to the publication in the book, Art in The Streets By: The Eli Edythe Broad Foundation ISBN 978-0-8478-3648-2 alongside other famous artists.
2013: SJK 171 Designed a limited Collaboration with Underground streetwear brand, Rare Reflection. This collection sold out the same day it was released.
2015: SJK 171 helped produce and cosponsored the release of the music video for the song, Homesick By: SANITY and KRITTY You can check out the press release by clicking the following link: PRESS RELEASE
2016: Various artists from Washington Heights including SJK 171, TAKI 183, PHIL T GREEK, MIKE 171, JEC*, HENRY 161, JOE 182, STITCH 1, SNAKE 1, COCO 144 were featured in the book. "Wall Writers: Graffiti in Its Innocence" By: Roger Gastman. ISBN 978-1584236016. You can find historical photos taken by SJK 171 featured on pages 59, 116-128, 148, 208 - 209, 211-213, 215, 217, 219, 221 and 222. SJK 171's MAD BOOK can be found in its entirety as a 16 page color spread starting at page 129. His MAD BOOK is an incredible piece of history full of photos, drawings, doodles, and squiggly lines, that define the era.
Photography
As mentioned above and in various published books. SJK 171 has taken photographs and slides that date back to the early 1970s.
Films & Documentaries
Wall Writers Film produced by: Roger Gastman. Available on iTunes. The film includes various writers from Washington Heights, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia. Late 60s, early 70s. It also includes writers from the Bronx in the 70s.