Artwork Description
Scale Up Archival Print Photo by Martha Cooper x 1UP Crew- One United Power x Nika Kramer x MOG Museum of Graffiti Limited Edition on Fine Art Paper Pop Graffiti Street Artist Modern Artwork.
2023 Signed by 1UP Crew- One United Power & Numbered Print Limited Edition of 40 Artwork Size 19.75x24 Archival Pigment Stylized Blown Up Polaroid Picture Taken by Martha Cooper x Nika Kramer Fine Art Published by 1UP Crew x MOG Museum of Graffiti. Depicts Vintage Photo of 1UP Crew Graffiti Writer & Street Artist Men in Masks Posing for a Photo of Friends by Security Fence.
1UP Crew Through the Lens of Martha Cooper and Nika Kramer
The "Scale Up" archival print embodies the collective spirit of street art, captured through the lenses of two renowned photographers, Martha Cooper and Nika Kramer, and embodied by the infamous 1UP Crew - One United Power. This limited edition artwork, produced in collaboration with the MOG Museum of Graffiti, is a richly layered piece that depicts a moment in time and tells the story of camaraderie, identity, and street art culture. The print, measuring 19.75x24 inches and released in a limited edition of 40, is a stylized blown-up Polaroid that freezes the 1UP Crew in a candid pose behind a security fence, a scenario familiar to the daring escapades of graffiti writers and street artists. The image is steeped in the authenticity of the graffiti artist's environment, with the backdrop, poses, and expressions conveying the essence of the street art world. It's a world where artists often operate anonymously, masks serving to protect identities and as a symbol of the unified entity 1UP Crew. The print itself, signed and numbered, becomes a collector's piece that goes beyond aesthetics, delving into the narrative of street art as lived by one of its most prominent collectives.
The Artistic Narrative of "Scale Up"
"Scale Up" is not just a photograph; it's a visual narrative that speaks to the ethos of the 1UP Crew and the street art culture they represent. The vintage quality of the image, coupled with the modern technique of archival pigment on fine art paper, bridges generations of street art. The photograph by Martha Cooper, a pioneer in the documentation of street art, and Nika Kramer, known for her cultural photography, is a testament to the enduring nature of the street art movement. The image tells a story of unity, resilience, and the power of street art to create a sense of belonging among its practitioners. The 1UP Crew, known for their large-scale, high-impact works, are shown in a moment of quiet solidarity, contrasting to the often frenetic energy of their public art. This piece is a celebration of their collective achievements and a reflection on the personal bonds that form the foundation of their work.
The MOG Museum of Graffiti's Role in Preserving Street Art
The MOG Museum of Graffiti plays a critical role in preserving and promoting the work of street artists like the 1UP Crew. By publishing and exhibiting "Scale Up," the MOG underscores its commitment to elevating street art from ephemeral acts to enduring artworks. The museum's involvement in this project reflects its broader mission to serve as a custodian of street art history and an advocate for its cultural significance. The MOG's collaboration with artists and photographers, such as 1UP Crew, Martha Cooper, and Nika Kramer, results in a synergy that propels the narrative of street art forward. By providing a platform for these works, the MOG ensures that the stories and art of urban landscapes are captured and shared with a broader audience. The museum's dedication to the street art community helps to foster an appreciation for the art form and encourages dialogue about its place in the broader spectrum of contemporary art. In the art community, "Scale Up" stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, photography, and street art. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving the moments that define a culture and celebrating the individuals and collectives who shape the visual language of our urban environments. As street pop art and graffiti artwork continue to influence our visual and cultural landscape, the contributions of artists like the 1UP Crew and photographers like Martha Cooper and Nika Kramer will continue to be celebrated for their role in documenting and defining this vibrant art movement.
