While the NYC downtown scene has been host to a variety of artists, collectives, crews, galleries, brands, shops and parties, one thing remains crucial to its character: the attitude which has been a part of, and fueled this scene, from its conception. With early rock'n'roll origins like the Velvets down on Ludlow giving way to a fresh skate scene of the late 80s/early 90s, and the development of independent brands hustling to terrorize today's market, an integral component throughout each successive phase in the scene has been: get up and make your mark. What is graffiti if not this? Say something and say it well. Graffiti has remained a constant articulation of, and commentary on, a culture changing, invigorated, and currently ever more saturated. The heritage is indelible, and in nearly every expression of the scene today, from bands to t-shirts, one can trace the influence of writers who made the streets a forum for innovation and style. Graffiti demonstrates its raw spirit in each tag, throwup or hangover, and while individual pieces are subject to buffs and time, the culture itself endures, and moreover, evolves. But it's one thing to talk about a culture or artform, and another to show it. Perhaps one of graffiti's strongest traits is the laconic brevity by which a pair of initials can come to convey an entire scope of stories and moves made. The scene is nothing without the individuals responsible for creating it and pushing it forward. As such, consider the new AKA/Alife book on KR a salute to one artist among a canon of street legends employing a variety of mediums to advance style, set new standards, challenge the fake shit, and show what it means to be UNFADEABLE. -- What those involved have to say: KRINK | ALIFE | ALSO KNOWN AS -- The KR book will be launched at Alife NYC, Alife Vancouver and 95 Gallery, Berlin in the coming weeks. See INFO for details. Purchase the KR book at The-Glade now!