A Letter to REVS

Introduction

Dear REVS,

In many ways, this letter will convey things that you may already know. My name is Jack, and I make documentaries about NYC graffiti. I wish to create a film focused on you. The goal of this letter is to assure you that my intentions are sincere. I aim to communicate this message as you have done with us New Yorkers—through the art of handwritten letters.

I'm a Manhattan native, born at Beth Israel Hospital on March 9, 1986. During the early '90s, I would take the cheese bus to school and often found myself gazing out the window, noticing the myriad middle finger stickers adorning the backs of yellow crosswalk lights. I began counting them on my ride home, excitedly noting if a corner didn’t have one. “They missed one!” I would shout, full of youthful enthusiasm. It was around this time that I learned to read, with "colon revs" being the first words I ever managed on my own. When I asked my mom about those stickers during our walks, she didn’t know what to say; she simply advised me not to look.

As I continued my commutes via Rapid Transit, I would press my palms against the train window and peek between them to block out reflections. In the darkness of the tunnels, I’d catch glimpses of the graffiti—big, white-washed sections with writing that often read "REVS." Sitting in a corner seat on the train, I saw scratchy tags like "white kid on black streets," and I couldn't help but relate.

Your work has captivated me since childhood. As I meandered through the streets with a marker in my pocket, all I could do was admire your pieces in awe. Even at a young age, you helped expand my imagination and teach me to express my individuality boldly. You instilled in me a sense of what a single human being is capable of achieving.

Throughout my youth, you were a ubiquitous presence, even as I participated in graffiti shenanigans during the early 2000s. I ventured into tunnels and climbed rooftops, desperate to experience the thrill of creating art like yours. I was arrested a few times during Mayor Bloomberg’s first term, but I managed to sneak in a dozen or so rollers despite transitioning into other street activities. Even as my style changed, I never lost my admiration for your work.

In the 2020s, I shifted my focus from graffiti enthusiast to graffiti historian. This change was sparked by the tragic loss of a close friend, which highlighted the finiteness of oral history. Through my documentaries, I strive to capture American history, particularly NYC's underground narratives. I view my interview subjects not as mere products but as individuals who have made indelible marks on our city’s folklore—beloved by some, criticized by others, yet true to themselves. That’s why I’m reaching out to you.

Your voice and story are crucial; failing to connect with you would be a disservice to my audience. Your contributions to graffiti are unparalleled—achievements that cannot be replicated. Acknowledging your impact on the game is an understatement. You’ve firmly etched your name into history.

While you don’t need my help with preservation, I hope this letter demonstrates that my reaching out is genuine. My films demand time, effort, and dedication—essentially the opposite of a commercial money-making venture. Though I'm not a celebrated filmmaker, I never release anything that feels half-hearted. You deserve my utmost dedication.

I hope you find the idea of this documentary intriguing. I’m currently constructing a question list for your interview, which won’t be too long or overwhelming. I would love to discuss the details of when and where we might meet, and if you’d be willing to share your photo archive. If you prefer, a written response works as well.

Ultimately, there's only one way to find out if this letter resonates with you or if it’s simply something you've been waiting to hear. If not me, then who? If not now, then when?

Respectfully, Jack from Manhattan
August 7, 2024

Keywords

graffiti, NYC, REVS, documentary, history, culture, art, outreach, filmmaking, preservation, storytelling, admiration

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of Jack's letter to REVS?
A: Jack is reaching out to REVS to express his admiration and to propose making a documentary about REVS and his contributions to graffiti as part of NYC's culture.

Q: How has REVS influenced Jack?
A: REVS was pivotal in helping Jack learn to read and inspired him to embrace individuality and creativity throughout his life.

Q: What shift occurred in Jack's career in the 2020s?
A: After the death of a close friend, Jack transitioned from being a graffiti enthusiast to becoming a graffiti historian, focusing on documenting the underground history of NYC.

Q: What does Jack hope to achieve with this documentary?
A: Jack aims to highlight REVS's significant contributions and preserve the narrative of NYC’s graffiti culture for future generations.

Q: What does Jack hope to discuss in the potential interview?
A: Jack is interested in talking about REVS's experiences, thoughts on graffiti culture, and would like to look at any photo archives REVS may have.