Saturday, 7 December 2024

The New York connection Claw, PMS crew

Claudia Gold better known as Claw graffiti artist from New York in the 1980's. She's one of world's most well-known graffiti writers with the iconic claw. Symbolising strength Claw started the PMS graffiti crew-stands for Power, Money, Sex or Painting Mad Spots etc. In counter-culture of graffiti Claw shows a strong presence in a male dominated sport. One of the early pioneering women alongside other artists of that era like Lady Pink. Both grew up on the ethos of painting trains, seen as the penultimate prized spot for getting up. Alongside other artists including Utah both Lady Pink and Claw appear in Girl Power a 2016 movie featuring women in graffiti in solidarity with artists across the world including Australia.  

Here Claw arrives in Melbourne for a solo show in regional Warrnambool exhibition until 16th of March 2025

As she's gained notoriety Claw has taken her art to become a fashion icon. Traversing the artworld from the streets into stores and producing artwork for many brands. Ironic that a brand she developed originally for the streets becomes the brand the businesses want to buy a piece of for their pie. For some in graffiti that's sell-out. For many, graffiti stays and lives on the streets and can't be bought or sold. But here Claw shows us, a path of natural evolution carved that works for her. Whether a story of selling out or success of making it, you be the judge. Regardless of your opinion, she undoubtedly left a mark and transformed and trailblazed a space for women in a hypermasculine scene.    
Fitzroy mural




When the New York trains were painted inside and out Lady Pink

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