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CulCul
makeone
Galo “MakeOne” Canote is one of L.A.'s
graffiti legends. By 1984 he rose to
popularity under graffiti pseudo names
MAKE and TIME. His name was seen
throughout L.A. from the infamous
Belmont Tunnel to the historical Pan
Pacific Theatre to the internationally
known books Spray Can Art, The History
of Los Angeles Graffiti Art (Volume 1),
and Graffiti L.A. Galo stays busy exhibiting
and freelancing his artwork, organizing
and curating art shows. Galo designed
the logo for this issue of Fluxion. We
celebrate his art in this issue as he shares
with us his insights and vision.
Interview by Mark C. Harvey
How would you describe the emergence of street art
as a vital form of cultural expression?
Street art relates to all cultures. It speaks to any individual
who relates to the image seen. It strikes an emotion
whether it is positive or negative. It is a direct dialogue
with artist and viewer. Therefore it can easily inspire one
to reciprocate or feel the need to express and because
of its accessibility there has been that emergence. This
has also lead to street art/graffiti art becoming most im-
portant form of modern day expression. Not only is it a
form of expression, but it is the most powerful art move-
ment of this century. It is evidently shaping and shifting
what progressive art is. The emergence of street art and
its legitimization is attributed to the need of something
genuine, raw, refreshing and unprecedented.
Why do you think official organizations do not distin-
guish graffiti art from simple tagging—as in the LAPD’s
“war on graffiti”?
I believe some of it may be due to the unfortunate associ-
ation it may have with the gangs in L.A. The LAPD, along
with official organizations, refuses to accept graffiti art as a
legitimate art form as well. It is also the generalization and
www.makeone.org
www.myspace.com/makeone
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Galo p hotographed by Paul Sun