Write Your Narrative, a South Florida weekly street art podcast.

Known as 'The Miracle Ghost' (TMG), AES is a Miami artist who has gained recognition in the underground art scene through his graffiti that features a unique character. His artwork focuses on examining and interpreting the "Zeitgeist", sharing his spiritual journey through the fleeting nature of human life. TMG's kind and optimistic ghostly figure encourages viewers to partake in a spiritual dialogue, providing solace for collective feelings of isolation and promoting a connection to the deeper truths of our existence.Instagram

Phillip Dunlap, who was born in Mason City, Iowa, currently leads the Cultural Division of Broward County. This local arts agency is responsible for managing the county's arts funding via grants, public art initiatives, and educational programs in the arts. Before taking on this role in April 2019, he spent 12 years as the Director of Education and Community Engagement at Jazz St. Louis. Phillip Dunlap sees himself as an arts leader, a disruptor, a musician, and an educator.InstagramArts Calendar

Renda's artistic expression is deeply rooted in his background as a Spoken Word and Slam Poet, with a central theme that highlights the transformative power of words, serving as a reminder that we can "write things into existence."Since his debut mural in Wynwood during Art Basel 2014, he has completed over 500 murals across 9 countries, showcasing his distinctive “Handwritten Murals.” Among these, 98 are part of his ongoing initiative, The World Peace Mural Tour, featuring large-scale works that repeatedly proclaim “World Peace” in Renda's unique script. His memorable phrases, such as “Your Comfort Zone Will Kill You,” “Love is a risk. Do it anyway,” and “Feel Free to Feel Free,” have gained viral popularity and continue to resonate withaudiences who encounter his work.InstagramWorld Peace Mural

Meet Alessandra, known as Alessi, a 27-year-old visual artist from Peru who has made Miami her home. With a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Art History, she brings her expertise to life as a tour guide at the renowned Wynwood Walls, where she enthusiastically shares her deep appreciation and insights into street art with visitors who come to experience Miami and its vibrant art scene.Instagram

John Dominé, a New York-based photographer, is well-known for his series “My Street Art Opera,” which highlights street art from his journeys.In this series, Dominé skillfully captures and reimagines street art, providing a distinctive perspective on urban creativity. His work serves not only to document these artistic pieces but also to honor the original artists by showcasing their work through his unique lens.This approach allows viewers to see street art from a fresh angle, showcasing its relevance in today's culture. Dominé's passion for this project reflects his deep appreciation for urban art and its effects on communities worldwide.Through his photography, he draws attention to the lively and dynamic character of street art, illustrating its vital role in shaping the visual fabric of urban environments.Instagram

David Louf, aka Mr. June, began his creative journey as a breakdancer in the 1980's before immersing himself in graffiti in 1985 in the south of the Netherlands. With over 15 years as a graphic designer, Mr. June eventually decided to focus solely on his art, merging his skills in design, graffiti, and muralism into a singular artistic vision. His work revolves around exploring geometry, specifically the hexagon—a shape he considers the epitome of balance and harmony, inspired by the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequences.Through murals and canvases, Mr. June manipulates form, color, and perspective to create optical illusions that transform spaces and challenge viewers' perceptions. By responding to the environment of each site, he crafts cohesive works that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings while offering adynamic, interactive experience.

Muta is a visual artist and muralist of Hispanic Americandescent, currently living in Miami, Florida. He is well known for his work in portraiture, as well as experimental and commercial art. Muta frequently engages with various public and cultural movements throughout North and Latin America, leveraging the influence of street art online. His approach is subtly abstract, focusing on creating art that is both straightforward and powerful. Inspired by his surroundings, Muta aims to capture moments that evoke strong emotions, similar to the feeling of listening to a beloved song or being awed by nature. His creations often delve into themes related to his family'sancestral roots, dreams, and Eastern Philosophy, all while embracing the spirit of street art.Instagram

Dias was born in Bogotá, Colombia, but he spent his childhood in Miami, surrounded by a highly creative family. He became interested in graffiti during middle school in Kendall, where many of his friends were into breakdancing and tagging. He drew inspiration from the graffiti section in the back of Source magazine, dedicating time to studying and practicing his letters. At school, Dias and a few friends would often use markers to graffiti on classmates' backpacks. He later attended a college for graphic design, which broadened his artistic skills and enhanced his work as a graffiti artist.Renowned for his eye-catching 3D graffiti style, Dias is a member of the DAE “Doing All Elements” Crew and continually seeks to learn new techniques and engage in commissioned projects.Instagram

Marcus Borges aka Grabster, is a creative force born in Brazil and shaped by the bustling energy of New York, later cultivating his artistic style in South Florida. His art, characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic forms, reflects years of independent exploration and a rich cultural background. With a keen eye for detail, his work features geometric designs that are both intricate and adaptable to various scales. Known for his retro-futuristic flair and tropicalhues, Grabster's pieces can be seen in locations around the globe. He continually finds inspiration in his surroundings, often splitting his time between the sunny shores of South Florida and the creative pulse of Detroit, MI.InstagramGrabisms.com

Patrice Moretti, also known as Smog One, was born in France and raised in Paris, where he discovered his passion for drawing at the age of four. In the early 80s, when he was just 13, his family moved to Florida, where he encountered the vibrant Hip Hop culture and the exciting world of graffiti. As he progressed in his artistic journey, Smog developed a captivating 3D style for his lettering and characters. He is an esteemed member of the XMEN Crew, FX Crew, BSK Crew from Miami, and CEO Crew. Since the mid-90s, he has been creating art on canvas, continuously evolving his style. Now based in Florida, he dedicates his efforts to painting striking murals and canvases. IG-SmogOne

As a forward-thinking entrepreneur and influential figure in the South Florida art scene, Glayson Leroy is committed to supporting local artists and elevating their work. He has been instrumental in transforming the artistic landscape through initiatives like co-founding the Wynwood Mural Fest during Art Basel in Miami, along with Delray Walls in Delray Beach, FL, and Bermuda Walls in Hamilton, Bermuda. These events have brought together a variety of artists and creative professionals, enabling them to showcase their skills and create impressive artworks. The festivals have not only highlighted artistic talent but have also attracted a wide audience, contributing to a cultural revival in the communities involved. Glayson LeRoy Wynwood Mural Fest Galera Collective

Growing up in the dynamic era of the 80s and 90s, Brian, also known as Kaotik, immersed himself in the tagging and graffiti culture of Southern California from a young age. His journey took a new turn when he moved to South Florida in the early 2000s, where he experienced the remarkable evolution of Wynwood into a celebrated hotspot for graffiti and street art. In 2014, after embracing the role of a full-time stay-at-home father, Brian began to document the vibrant street art scene through photography, sharing his work with a wider audience on Instagram starting in 2016. @Kaotik954

Max aka ARIVE, is recognized as a key figure in the development of Miami's graffiti style and culture with the famous MSG Crew. He spent his formative years in Wynwood, which was quite different before the influx of restaurants and retail stores. He began tagging walls in the early 1980s, inspired by his older cousin, RIVSKI. He went on to become one of the most technically skilled graffiti artists of his time, leaving a lasting impact on future artists. Max embraces the chance to merge different art forms, skillfully blending various theories, styles, and mediums. He believes that no single form of art is superior to another, and that they can all come together to create vibrant new compositions that move away from traditional norms. Max aka Arive

Oscar Montes, aka TREK6, has built an impressive and distinctive portfolio over the course of thirty years, showcasing a rich variety of mediums across numerous cities and cultures. His artwork serves as a vibrant exploration of resonance, utilizing color, line, and rhythm to delve into historical, indigenous, and regionally significant iconography. In his pieces, portraits collide with bold lines, which are then energized by colorful patterns and fragmented shapes, resulting in dynamic and lively compositions. The interplay between his formal art education and his roots in graffiti culture allows for a fascinating blend of techniques and styles in his creations, ranging from acrylics to aerosol, and even incorporating soundscapes and installations. TREK6 Trek6.com

Founded by Sergio Arce, also known as Registered Artist or RA, a passionate collective of artists set out to share their creativity and inspire collaboration. Their inaugural aWall Project took shape as they transformed a neglected wall in a Miami neighborhood into a vibrant canvas. The impact of their efforts resonated within the community, prompting a local resident to connect them with a nearby school, where the mural could further inspire students. Artists from the surrounding area, as well as those from other states and countries, contributed their diverse styles and techniques to the aWall mural projects. In every city and district they touch, local artists and community members are always prioritized, ensuring their involvement is at the heart of each project @aWall Project @Registered Artist

Jel Martinez, a Cuban American artist born in Miami, draws inspiration from graffiti and the process of vandalism removal. An original member of the Ink Heads Crew, his work reflects the layers and textures of urban walls, merging expressionism with contemporary “buffs”—the patterns left by city cleanup crews. His paintings capture the dynamic interplay of creation, deconstruction, and decay, evoking the history and texture of city walls. Martinez's unique style, which he calls “urban abstraction,” incorporates acrylic, enamel, oil, and ink to form vibrant, layered compositions rooted in the urban landscape. @Jelmartinez

Based in the vibrant city of Miami, Weerdo is an artist whose journey began in Mexico and blossomed in Homestead. His artistic inspiration springs from the vibrant worlds of punk and hip hop, intricately linked to his cultural roots. With a foundation in street art and graffiti, Weerdo aims to create a visual uproar, jolting viewers from their complacent routines within the confines of modern society.  For over a decade, he has been a key player in the South Florida street art community, continuously evolving his large-scale pieces. Recently, he has ventured into 3D and sculptural art, with aspirations to incorporate traditional Mexican sculpture influences into his expanding portfolio. @weerdo

Mars is a talented muralist, graffiti artist, and sign painter based in Miami, with Colombian American roots. Her journey began in 2004 with graffiti, and by 2006, she was studying at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, where she explored fine art, drawing, and photography. By 2014, she had solidified her reputation as a skilled muralist and sign painter in the vibrant Miami art community. Mars has contributed her artistic talents to local businesses, creating eye-catching murals, and has worked with globally recognized brands and organizations on various projects. @Mars

South Floridian artist Louie Diamondz draws his creative spark from the very essence of existence, from the core of an atom to the vast expanse of the cosmos. His unique blend of primitive and futuristic aesthetics stirs ancient echoes within the very fabric of your being, often referred to as your DNA. Through his artistic expressions, he tells the story of science and mathematics, encapsulated in his works known as Molecular Constellations. These creations are visualized as a single, unbroken line that weaves through the dimensions of space and time, ultimately forming the images that captivate the viewer. The beginning and end of this line are marked by dots or "stars," which emit radiant bursts of light—conceptually representing particles or molecules that travel along the path of the line. When the line is removed, what remains is a dazzling array of stars, a constellation of molecules that invites contemplation. @louiedeology @elfresco

From a tender age, Freaky has had a passion for art that knows no bounds. She picked up a crayon as soon as she could stand, and her creativity has flourished ever since. Hailing from Miami and proudly embracing her Mexican roots, Freaky has left her mark on Wynwood with vibrant graffiti murals. As you wander through the neighborhood, her distinctive star characters will catch your eye, a symbol of her artistic presence. Her murals explode with color and energy, drawing inspiration from the playful aesthetics of 80s video games, creating a lively atmosphere wherever they appear. Instagram Spaztic Stars

Erni Vales says: Someone recently told me I was old now, for the first time in my life I found that statement to be so funny. Yes, I have been here now many years but old, I don't think so.  It's true I was painting subways cars in the 80s at a feverish pace which has brought me “legitimacy” in the graffiti art and commercial world, a world that I remember being a part of hundreds of people, today I guesstimate I am now a part of close to a million, worldwide. Graffiti, the foundation of my career (who knew?) is a global phenomenon, and I am proud to be a part of its history. It's true, because of graffiti I have traveled the globe, painted for celebrities, been written about and have been able to challenge the artist in me for well into 30 years now. I have become less “old” these days, reinvigorated by new challenges in life... I hope to color everyone's world with at least one small splash of color, of life and share my time with anyone interested... It's true I'm old, but I'm so much younger than I ever was. Instagram Ernivales.com

Ryan Ferrell, aka The Wheelbarrow, is an artist and urban art historian from Arizona, now living in Miami. Since 2002, he has exhibited his diverse visual art styles in Wynwood. Inspired by the area's fading fashion district, he created a unique screen-printing performance called Live Fashion Vandalism. His unique style, called Amorphism©, reflects the Taoist idea of Wu Wei, allowing viewers to find their own meanings in his abstract pieces. His work includes graphite drawings, watercolor paintings, spray-painted murals, screen-printed fashion, and porcelain sculptures. In 2014, he started the BYOBIKE Tour, inspired by Wynwood, and has organized community rides in St. Pete, Florida, and Montréal. Named “Best Wynwood Tour” by Miami New Times, he has led tours for many prominent figures and celebrities. He also educates people about urban art while creating artist treasure maps to document temporary artworks, updated each year during Miami Art Week. Instagram Ryanwheelbarrow.com Mural zine Urban Art Education

Since its inception in 2013 by sisters Danelle Pino and Michele Pino Nuno, WYN 317 has emerged as a dynamic gallery that highlights Miami's exceptional urban environment with a local flair. This authentic space brings together fresh talent, mid-career artists, and established creators from both the local and international scenes. With a focus on aesthetics that celebrate the city's graffiti scene and a diverse range of lively pop art, WYN 317 is dedicated to presenting art that is deeply rooted in Miami, offering a perspective that fosters a strong connection to the community. Instagram-@wyn317 Facebook-wyn317 WYN317.com

Jose Antonio "Tony" Firpi, a photographer and graphic artist, founded Devious Elements Apparel (DEA) in 2015, inspired by the rich and diverse art scene of South Florida. His artistic vision is shaped by the influences of iconic figures such as David La Chapelle and Annie Leibovitz. Tony's creations are infused with the bold colors, urban flair, and vibrant beach spirit of Miami. Since its launch, DEA has rapidly diversified into multiple clothing lines influenced by pop culture, and is now teaming up with artists to bring their stunning artistry to life on clothing, transforming it into a new artistic canvas. @tonyfirpide @devious.elements.apparel deviouselementsapparel.com

Sergio J. Quiñonez a.k.a. SURGE, a Postgraffisim artist with roots in Los Angeles and a upbringing in Miami, has taken his bold artistic vision from his sketchbooks to the vibrant streets of South Florida and beyond. His fascination with cartoons and striking colors, along with a passion for hip hop culture, has shaped his creative identity. Surge's dynamic illustrations feature characters that are both daring and friendly. He has worked with many local and national Brands. Surge's true essence is found in his boldness and the freedom he embraces in his creative endeavors. @illsurge illsurge.com

Founded in 2019, Miami Art Society gallery is led by JP Williams, who has been active in the art world for over ten years. His background includes various roles such as art handling, project management, curation, and event coordination. Williams has worked with many respected galleries and institutions in Miami, bringing a diverse set of skills to his gallery, helping it thrive in the global art market. His rich experience has helped him build friendships with talented local artists, and these connections are essential to the Miami Art Society gallery. @MiamiArtSociety

Meet Steven Reyes, a.k.a. KEDS, a true Miami graffiti pioneer who has been burning with the DAM Crew (The Artistic Mpire) since 1989. He offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the Miami graffiti scene, recounting tales from the infamous Miami penits, the legendary I-95 wall, and the abandoned RC Cola factory building. @kedsdamcrew727

Born and raised in the Bronx, NYC, Carlos Solano draws inspiration from his upbringings and experiences. He is inspired by positive energy, music, nature and spirituality which all play a part in his artwork. @itz_csolano

This week, my guest is South Florida contemporary artist and muralist Nate Dee. His Haitian background can be appreciated in his colorful art as well as his murals, painted all over Florida and abroad. In his figurative painting, his characters typically wear masks covering partially their faces. Let's find out the inspiration and the meaning of it. @natedee

This week, my guest proudly represent the 305 with his art. His name is DISEM. For more than 20 years, DISEM has been painting huge murals of local music and sports legends over his signature graffiti background using Miami's iconic pink and blue color palette. @Disen305

Yuval Ofir is the creative mind behind Yo Miami, an art and events consulting agency. Yuval's mission is to shine a light on the elements of Miami culture that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. He's also an entrepreneur, a businessman, an art curator, a community advocate, a writer, a podcast host and a dad… Let's find out how he can wear so many different hats and stay on top of it. @YoMiami @YoSpace

This week, my guest is highly acclaimed Miami muralist, Luis Valle, better known as El Chan Guri. Luis was born in Nicaragua but grew up in Miami. Luis Valle's murals reflect his unique artistic style, capturing the essence of cultural diversity, heritage, and the human experience. His artwork bridges gaps, breaks boundaries, and inspires a sense of unity and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. @el_chan_guri

Coinslot is well known for his satirical cartoony and sometimes political work. He left Miami 7 years ago to pursue a very successful artistic journey in Los Angeles. Coinslot is back in Miami for a popup exhibition titled “Unfollowed”. He's not afraid to admit that he has burned a few bridges but he's going to use the fire to light up his path. @coinslot

This week, my guest is Peter Tunney. Peter is much more than a visual artist and businessman. He believes in humankind and the good that results from performing small acts of kindness. Most recently, his main philanthropic efforts are devoted to criminal justice reform and ending the stigma of mental illness. So, buckle up and jump right into our conversation. @petertunney www.sunnycenterdonation.com @ggagalleryofficial @wynwoodwallsofficial

Born December of 1991, Ivan J. Roque is a Cuban American artist from Miami, Florida. Burning with a passion for the concepts of birth, death, time, renewal and social dynamics. His influences range from the old masters to the new such as Caravaggio, Marc Rothko, Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace and Nychos. Roque has been able to accomplish many achievements at his young age, such as working with rapper Denzel Curry, collaborating with major brands like McDonalds, Microsoft, Virgin Voyages and Formula One to name a few. He has traveled quite extensively for various exhibitions and murals including shows in New York City, Dubai, Seoul and mural festivals such as the Sprayseemo Mural Festival and Pow Wow Worcester. He has also been frequently commissioned by various cities across the United States with most recently being the City of Pembroke Pines, Florida and the City of Janesville, Wisconsin. Roque also has had three gallery solo shows and one museum solo show at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. He has a Bachelor of Art in Visual Arts from Florida International University. @ivanjroque

This week, my guest is a post graffiti artist and project conservator based in Amsterdam. Her name is Mick La RockMick is one of Europe's first and most well-known female, graffiti artist. Inspired by the traditional New York school graffiti lettering style, she started writing her name MICKEY in 1983.Her latest exhibition, “Beyond Measure” is on view until August 2024 at the Wynwood Museum of Graffiti. @micklarock01 @museumofgraffiti

This week, my guest is Derek Wilson a.k.a. Mister Wilson, a Miami artist who's also an art educator. He has been curating the famous Union Wall at Lincoln's beard brewing in the Bird Road district since 2017. He recently created ELEVATE, a non-profit art foundation and a school mural project, raising awareness for the visual arts and building a culture that makes attending school exciting. DALE!!! @mr.wilsonart @artshappen @elevate_foundation

This week, my guest is Tyler aka TAB TOONZ. He's a 12 years old, self-taught digital cartoonist and author, born in Miami. I met Tab Toonz and his parents, 2 years ago at the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood where he's taking art classes taught by local and international graffiti artists. He's without a doubt, my youngest guest! John, his father, will be joining us in the podcast and we'll talking about providing a supportive environment and celebrating Tyler's efforts to value his artistic process. Listen up and share! @tab.toonz @museumofgraffiti

Episode 5 with my son Maxence Doytier. Maxence is a community minded art facilitator and curator based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He's the creator and the driving force behind AOTA, Avenue Of The Arts, a weeklong visual arts festival. With Maxence, we'll have a conversation about the festival and his future endeavors. Listen up and share. @AOTAfest @rundreadrun @twenty6northproductions

Joan Jimenez a.k.a. Entes, is an Afro-Peruvian artist who's been painting murals all around the world and in Wynwood for over 10 years. He is considered to be one of the graffiti pioneers in South America. His artwork addresses local issues, in a vivid pictorial way. In the second part of the podcast, I will have a conversation with Supermarket gallery's director and curator, Maria Gabriela Di Giammarco about Joan Jimenez's new body of work from his solo exhibition, “Migración de Jarana” at the gallery.

This week, my guest is my good friend Miami photographer Sandro Abate. He's well known for his stunning photos of the fast changing Wynwood street art scene. We met over 10 years ago and he was a regular contributor to Talking Off the Wall and gave us incredible artist's portraits for the magazine cover. With his distinguished white beard and purple Converse sneakers, he's pretty easy to recognize, when he's walking down the street looking for a new mural to photograph. Sandro and I, will discuss (and bitch) about the gentrification of our favorite neighborhood. Is Wynwood still the street art “capital” city or is it doomed? @SandroAbate

This week, my guest is Miami based artist Diane Contreras. Her work focuses on strong, beautiful women, often representing her Latin heritage. Diana, also known as Didi Rok is a former teacher who decided to quit her job to become a full-time professional artist a couple of years ago. She was on the cover of the July 2014 issue of Talking Off the Wall and the first artist to be part of the Write Your Narrative series “Where are they Now?” @DidoRock @DianaContreras

In this first podcast, I am having a conversation with the film director and producer, Rico James about preserving an artist's legacy. His acclaimed documentary about the street artist TMNK a.k.a. Nobody, is a must see to understand his life, his claim to fame and his tragic death in 2016. @RicoJames @NobodyWasHere @TMNK

Hi everyone and welcome to Write Your Narrative, your weekly street art podcast. Are you a graffiti writer, a muralist, an art curator, a gallery owner or simply an art lover and are eager to learn more about the South Florida art community. I'm your host Pascal D. from Talking Off the Wall. I've been supporting, documenting, and working with local artists for over 10 years now. On Write Your Narrative, you'll find out how artists are becoming successful by constantly redefining the landscape with their art skills. You'll hear how galleries are supporting the growth of artists with curated exhibitions and art fairs. Photographers who've been documenting the evolution of all Street art forms from tagging to graffiti and murals in books, movies, and social media, will be sharing inspiring stories with us. Let's discuss the importance of their work, and how to preserve it. On Write Your Narrative I will have weekly conversation about everything street art related in South Florida. Stay tuned! We'll see you soon.