My artist name is Rezmo. I was born in both Dine’ and Mexica’ from Gallup, NM. I was born of the Hona’ghaahnii Clan (One Who Walks Around Another) and the Naaki Dine’ Clan (Mexican). I was raised both on and off the Navajo Nation reservation. I graduated from the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, NM. I originally went to study native fashion but ended up leaving there with a degree in painting and a love of graffiti. Foremost, I am a graffiti artist. From the moment I picked up a can I was hooked. The thrill that came from getting up and my growing love for letters is what really put my art in motion. I never thought that graffiti would bring me this far or open up so many opportunities along the way. I think I naturally gravitated towards graffiti because there was really so much freedom in painting and no set technique just your own. Majority of my inspiration comes from my culture and my children. I am who I am because of the stories and beliefs I grew up with.
View her full presentation on the OFPL YouTube Channel.
I’m looking forward to this presentation as the topic of public art, murals, and graffiti are a topic I teach during one of my UNM-G classes. I’m encouraging my students to attend this presentation. Perhaps you can speak a bit as to the role graffiti art plays in a community. In your opinion, what is the line between “art” and “vandalism,” a topic which some of our readings/videos/discussions bring up? Who decides?