“The rise of TMD as a creative collective has its origins in Auckland’s mid to late 90’s graffiti scene. The post-recessionary environment after the 1987 stock market crash was the perfect incubator for a thriving and vibrant Hip-Hop scene with a uniquely pacific slant. From the decrepit rail infrastructure to the abandoned buildings and vacant lots - the city provided an abundance of grey area where these young people could forge lifelong bonds, while cementing their sense of identity. With humble beginnings from this crew emerged its fair share of unsung and underground heroes as well as many of Aotearoa’s first global stars in the graffiti and large scale street art arena.” – ASKEW ONE
With zones that explore the various phases of the crews history and evolution, this exhibition offers multiple ways for visitors to learn more and interact with this dynamic strand of Aotearoa’s art history. Pop into a 90’s dairy to get your TMD merch, drop in for a ‘writing’ session in the flat, be surrounded by the larger than life AV display, and go deep with the crew’s most contemporary works to date.
“The transcendent nature of graffiti crosses many social divides. TMD started as a ragtag group of outsiders from around Auckland but grew into a family that includes members from Australia and Germany. As its members have evolved as people, started families, encountered hardship and success the bond built through a common interest has brought a powerful sense of cohesion.” – PHAT ONE
Included in The Most Dedicated will be contributions from ACRE, ADDICT, ASKEW ONE (Elliot O’Donnell), BERST (Dr. Bobby Hung), DEUS (Elliot Francis Stewart), DYLE52 (Benjamin Work), EXIST, FLURO (Holly Ross), HASER (Kairau Bradley), LADY DIVA (Janine Williams), Mark Henare, MISERY (Tanja Jade), ONEDEAP (Jamie McCready), PEST5 (Jonny 4Higher), PHAT ONE (Charles Williams), RAMS, RIMONI (Raymond Sagapolutele), RYZE (Gary Silipa), SOFLES, VANS THE OMEGA (Joel Van Moore), and WOW123 (Markus Genesius).
The Most Dedicated: An Aotearoa Graffiti Story is part of The Dowse Art Museum’s 50th Anniversary programme. It continues our commitment to street art and urban art culture that was initiated through projects such as Respect: Hip Hop Aotearoa (2003), The New Cool (2005) and Common Ground (2009).
“The rise of TMD as a creative collective has its origins in Auckland’s mid to late 90’s graffiti scene. The post-recessionary environment after the 1987 stock market crash was the perfect incubator for a thriving and vibrant Hip-Hop scene with a uniquely pacific slant. From the decrepit rail infrastructure to the abandoned buildings and vacant lots - the city provided an abundance of grey area where these young people could forge lifelong bonds, while cementing their sense of identity. With humble beginnings from this crew emerged its fair share of unsung and underground heroes as well as many of Aotearoa’s first global stars in the graffiti and large scale street art arena.” – ASKEW ONE
With zones that explore the various phases of the crews history and evolution, this exhibition offers multiple ways for visitors to learn more and interact with this dynamic strand of Aotearoa’s art history. Pop into a 90’s dairy to get your TMD merch, drop in for a ‘writing’ session in the flat, be surrounded by the larger than life AV display, and go deep with the crew’s most contemporary works to date.
“The transcendent nature of graffiti crosses many social divides. TMD started as a ragtag group of outsiders from around Auckland but grew into a family that includes members from Australia and Germany. As its members have evolved as people, started families, encountered hardship and success the bond built through a common interest has brought a powerful sense of cohesion.” – PHAT ONE
Included in The Most Dedicated will be contributions from ACRE, ADDICT, ASKEW ONE (Elliot O’Donnell), BERST (Dr. Bobby Hung), DEUS (Elliot Francis Stewart), DYLE52 (Benjamin Work), EXIST, FLURO (Holly Ross), HASER (Kairau Bradley), LADY DIVA (Janine Williams), Mark Henare, MISERY (Tanja Jade), ONEDEAP (Jamie McCready), PEST5 (Jonny 4Higher), PHAT ONE (Charles Williams), RAMS, RIMONI (Raymond Sagapolutele), RYZE (Gary Silipa), SOFLES, VANS THE OMEGA (Joel Van Moore), and WOW123 (Markus Genesius).
The Most Dedicated: An Aotearoa Graffiti Story is part of The Dowse Art Museum’s 50th Anniversary programme. It continues our commitment to street art and urban art culture that was initiated through projects such as Respect: Hip Hop Aotearoa (2003), The New Cool (2005) and Common Ground (2009).
