Los Angeles Graffiti Legend MINER WCA Uses His Art to Call Out the Cops

In the early to mid eighties you would see the name MINER WCA all over town in block style lettering or wild monochromatic tags or colorful burners. His style was uniquely recognizable and his name ubiquitous with one of the most respected graffiti writing crews in Los Angeles. MINER is credited as one of the founders of West Coast Artists (or WCA for short).

By the 1990’s, MINER was creating street art using stencils, wheatpasting and showing in galleries as well. He also began creating art and graphics for CONART, the first street wear company in L.A..

We are happy to announce that MINER has blessed our shop with 3 special throwback pieces now available online. These original works were part of his early criticism of the LAPD and their targeting of black folks that ultimately incited the 1992 LA Riots. Although that was over 30 years ago, the fear of hooded clansman working for law enforcement has only materialized into the new reality we are facing today (on a national level) where ICE and DHS are illegally targeting and disappearing brown people from the streets. These works are political and the message strong. Artists are always on the front lines of resistance and MINER doesn’t shy away from his messaging.

(Click on the images for more info and to purchase online.)

Shamsia Hassani, Afghani Graffiti Artist Making a Splash in Los Angeles!

Check out this new mural “The Melody” in Downtown LA by Afghani graffiti artist Shamsia Hassani. It was curated by Street Art of Mankind and facilitated by DTLA Alliance. It’s a great new addition to Downtown by an artist we’ve known about and met over a decade ago.

Photo courtesy of Shamsia Hassani `

Back in 2014, Crewest founder Man One was approached by the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (now called ICDLA) and the US State Department about a program they were sponsoring called “American Street Art: A Project for Afghanistan”.  There were three artists from Afghanistan visiting LA and they wanted local engagement with them. Some of the goals were to meet with prominent American street artists to increase their exposure to alternative and traditional art forms in the U.S. So of course Man One jumped at the opportunity to show them around town a little bit especially since it was their first time in LA. The three artists that met at Man One’s studio were Abul Qasem Foushanji, Shamsia Hassani, and Sayed Mohebullah Ramin Naqshbandi.

Photos by Stephen Ziegler © 2025

Of the three artists, Shamsia definitely stood out especially at that time for her political stances. Not only was she a talented graffiti artist from Afghanistan but also a very intelligent and outspoken female. Man One invited them to his Lincoln Heights studio to share ideas and talk shop. They also got a mini tour of some of his DTLA murals and thanks to local artist Leba, they got a small wall to paint as well.

Below are some pics taken by our friend Stephen Ziegler (photographer and director of These Days LA). We especially love some of the group action shots taken that day. This is just further proof that working across borders with friends from foreign countries is important to our global society and the exchange of ideas. It’s amazing to see Shamsia’s first mural below and then over a decade later to see what she’s accomplished on a much larger scale! We encourage you to go Downtown and check it out in person. Cheers!

The Homie Marka27 Wins the Frieze L.A. Impact Prize!

Congratulations to our long time friend and tremendous artist Marka27 for winning this year‘s Frieze Los Angeles Impact Prize! We’ll be out at the fair this week to support him and excited to check out his booth among all the other exhibitors.

There’s a really nice Frieze post about him and the work he’s bringing to the art fair.
Click on the image below for the full read.

I.C.E. SCREAM SERIES

On display Marka27’s impactful installation and collection of paintings and sculptures.


Back in the day, we were lucky to showcase Marka27 with 2 solo shows at our Los Angeles spaces.
“NO MORE LABELS” in 2005 in Alhambra and ‘NEO-INDIGENOUS” in our DTLA space in 2012.

Click flyer to view images from this exhibition.


Below are some of Marka’s works still available at our online shop!

Marka27: BROKEN BONES MG2

BROKEN BONES MG2
Original drawing by Marka27 
Aerosol and Sharpie on paper
Frame dimensions: 12.75” x 16.75”
2009

Marka27: Choose Your Weapon Wisely Print

Choose Your Weapon Wisely
Print by Marka27 designed exclusively for his first solo exhibit at our gallery.
All prints are signed by the artist.
11”x17”
2005

Marka27: Munky King Print

Full color poster print by Marka27 designed for his toy release at Munky King many moons ago. 
13” x 19”
All prints are signed by the artist.
From an edition of 40

“¡CUARENTA! - The Art of Abel Alejandre at MUZEO

Fantastic 40 year survey of Abel Alejandre’s poignant work at Anaheim’s MUZEO curated by L.A. veteran art critic and dealer Mat Gleason. Opening nite was jam packed with OC and LA artists, curators and collectors who all came out to appreciate Abel’s mastery of technique and approach.

On display were pieces in private collections that had not been seen publicly in decades. Including some works that the artist said he needed to touch up and restore before displaying them. Two large rooms meticulously curated by Mat Gleason showed off not only paintings, drawings, and prints but also displays of the artist’s sketchbooks and oddities like hand painted trucker hats.

Artists in attendance opening nite included yours truly (Man One), Rick Ortega, Pinchi Michi, Stephen Seemayer, S.C. Mero, Wildlife, CR Stecyk III, Cici Segura Gonzalez, Jose Lozano and many others.

-M1

Show runs: February 8 – April 20, 2025
With two special events:
- March 8th Printmaking Workshop with Abel
- March 22nd Curator Talk with Mat Gleason

MUZEO
241 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
info@muzeo.org
714-765-6450

“RUST-O UNCAPPED” Event at Secret Walls HQ

We were invited the other night to experience the soft launch of rustoleum‘s new artist brand paint called RUST-O (@rustospraypaint )

Below is a first video review of the product by our Artist in Chief, Man One.

The soft launch was held at Secret Walls HQ in L.A. The evening kicked off with a panel that included artists PERSUE (@persue1) and GEORGE F. BAKER III (@gfb3) moderated by Dilated Peoples very own, the homie RAKAA (@therealrakaa).

Although it was raining, the vibe was cool. Lots of dope artists in attendance and we got to sample the paint.

Until we’re able to use more colors and really get a feel for it, the jury is out on how this paint will stack up against the others. Some challenges they will face in this space are the limited palette (30 colors), the higher price point ($8.99) and the distribution source (Walmart). But let’s wait until March when they officially drop it & see what happens. More to come!

Thanks again to the homie PERSUE for the invite. ✊🏽

Christmas In L.A. Hip Hop Music Video Drop!

We are proud to premier our newest Hip Hop video “Christmas in L.A.” (directed by Vonjako)
Our love letter to Los Angeles follows a day in the life of Santa Graff as he walks around different neighborhoods promoting Holiday cheer in the form of throw ups, tags, stencils and slaps. Look for all the street art easter eggs sprinkled throughout the film. Enjoy!

“Christmas in L.A.” - Connie Price & The Keystones featuring Aceyalone, Myka9, Medusa The Gangsta Goddess, 2Mex, DJ MonaLisa, MixMaster Wolf and Ozomatli
Music Produced by: DanUbe Productions
Executive Producer: Crewest Studio
Film Produced and Story by: Man One and Vonjako
©2024 Crewest Studio

Exclusive Christmas in LA merch available for a limited time. Click on image.

Lady Pink: Dialogue at The FOX Theatre

PRESENTED BY: OVERSPRAY SUPPLY AND CREWEST STUDIO

Dialogue: Artist Talk with Lady Pink

Come join us for an intimate evening with the legendary Lady Pink at The Fox Theater Pomona! Get ready to dive into the world of graffiti art and hear firsthand from the iconic artist herself. Lady Pink, in conversation with our very own Scott “SOURDOUGH” Power, will share stories, insights, and inspirations behind her vibrant creations. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to connect with a pioneer in the street art scene. Don't miss out on this chance to engage in dialogue with a true trailblazer!

DATE:
Saturday, October 12

TIME:
1:30pm - Doors Open @ Fox Theatre (prepaid tix or buy at the door)

2 - 3pm Artist Panel (ticketed event) - From the subways of NY in the 80's to her impactful work today, join us to hear from one of the most influential and well known women of the 80's NY subway graffiti scene.

4:00 PM - 5:00 VIP Signing (with purchase of a limited edition print only) - A private signing of limited edition Lady Pink prints

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Opening Reception (FREE event) - A solo exhibition of Lady Pink @ Overspray Art Supply & Gallery (next door to theater)

LOCATION:
The Fox Theatre Pomona
301 South Garey Avenue Pomona, CA 91766

OverSpray Art Supply & Gallery

158 W 3rd St Pomona CA, 91766

WE'RE BACK! THE CREWEST BLOG 2024

We've been on a hiatus with this blog for over nine years now! Damn, how time flies! As we moved away from the traditional gallery scene in 2012, we started a new journey and founded Crewest Studio, we now think it's time to come back to give our two cents about the current state of affairs in the art world. We love supporting artists and helping them sell their work as well as giving them platforms to promote themselves and bring better and more beautiful art into the world.

This blog will continue highlighting some of our favorite artists and friends and their current projects around the world. We will also be shining the spotlight on some new talent and exciting artists that we find interesting out there in the current global landscape.

We look forward to sharing with you all things CREWEST™…the Shop…the Studio…and the Gallery.
So hang on tight and LET’S GO!

Man One
Artist-in-Chief

ISAIAS CROW: TIME TRAVELER @ OPEN SPACE LA


Crewest + Open Space Present:

TIME TRAVELER 
A collection of paintings by Isaias Crow. 



Curated by Man One. 









TIME TRAVELER - is a collection of paintings inspired by Isaias Crow's travels on the physical and spiritual plane through time and space. These paintings were all painted or conceived in various geographical locations as far east as Derry, Ireland; London, UK and Paris, France to as far south as Costa Rica and within the American continent in Houston, Albuquerque, Oklahoma, Trenton, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and at his art studio in San Diego, CA. 

While traveling, Crow received epiphanies about life, relationships, love, death and about being a soul at the core. The connection and access we have to other souls living in the spirit realm and our pre-birth plan - of what we "chose" to experience while experiencing life. All the while Crow is painting canvases and murals in the places that he's visiting with the materials that are or aren't available and with that also discovering different techniques and approaches to his art. As a result, he's transmitting positive energy frequencies from all these different locations and conveying that onto the canvas. 

This collection compiles all these different experiences into one moment in time - Isaias Crow's first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, California. We present to you TIME TRAVELER. 

"I remember while in London:

Standing still at the London Bridge Tube Station, I had a realization, I like it here. The tunnels, the connections of subways, the diverse cultures that are all moving from one line to another . Countless people traveling to their destination. The energy is like none other that I've encountered other than New York's subways . I hold back tears. I have an understanding that what is inside is outside. This infrastructure is the same / a replica of how our souls navigate to arrive to this space - earth. In the tube we all travel as one - we get off at different destinations and at different times.. Yet we all came from the same source - the same train station.

Reflecting on my artwork now, I see that creating the C-Rollers (paint rollers I cut out to create different linear sizes) and all the pattern work with multitude of colors is my rendition - my understanding of this interior and exterior infrastructure - the plan - the pre-birth plan.

I'm on route - I'm on my path - I'm time-traveling. I'm a TIME TRAVELER."

-excerpt from Isaias Crow's e-book "The Crow's Aura"

You can purchase art from Isaias Crow's exhibition starting April 11th at:


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WERC AT COLOR WALK MURAL FESTIVAL

Mexican border city, Ciudad Juarez, has had the unfortunate stigma of being one of North America's most violent cities.  Through the help of muralists and street artists, the city is trying to change that perception with a new campaign and mural festival called COLOR WALK.

The idea of COLOR WALK is to create street art pieces that will create pride and make positive statements of the community as well as attract tourism by bringing some renown national and international artists.

The first (of many murals to come) has been produced by one of our very own, WERC.
Check out his piece entitled "Rise Up":






Other participating artists include:

TRIGZ (RIP)

RIP: Michael Christopher Pebley Sr. (AKA TRIGZ)

Los Angeles lost a true soldier this weekend.  Not only a tattoo artist and graff writer, but
more importantly a family man and friend to many.  He will be sorely missed.

Here's a short video by the homie Estevan Oriol featuring Trigz:



If you'd like to provide some financial help to Trigz' family, especially his young kids, please
click on this link to donate what you can:
GOFUNDME.COM/TRIGZ

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L.A. BARRIO ROOTS STREET ART FEST

Crewest is excited to be teaming up with the "LA Barrio Street Art Festival" 
September 19th - 21st, 2014.



The LA Barrio Roots Street Art Festival is a FREE community event taking place at the:
Bell Community Center located at 6250 Pine Avenue, Bell, CA 90201, USA. 

Featuring live urban art mural painting by: 


Special exhibitions: 

- Chaz Bojorquez Retrospective: featuring select new works as well as archive photos of his journey as a groundbreaking LA artist.

- Transborder Graphic: a group show featuring works by over 20 Mexican and Mexican-American
artists including Jesse Hernandez, Fabian Debora, Humo, Ernesto Yerena, Maria Abigail Sandoval, and others.


Free Workshops:

-Musical Production
-Artistic Photography
-Drawing 
-Community Muralism
-Calligraphy
-Stencil

**LA Barrio Roots Street Art Fest is being presented by the Consulate General of Mexico, Mexico’s Secretary of External Relations, Institutos de Mexicanos en el Exterior, State Senator Ricardo Lara and the 33rd Senate District, the City of Bell, and HABITAJES Centro de Estudios y Acciones sobre el Espacio Público.


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