STRAAT Gallery

Moniker: An Origin Story - Exhibition Catalog

Moniker: An Origin Story - Exhibition Catalog

On show from March 10th: our "Moniker: An Origin Story" exhibition, curated by Moniker Art, supported by Moniker Foundation of London and with the cooperation of Massillon Museum in Ohio. This showcase takes you on a captivating journey through the vibrant history of hobo and rail worker graffiti, an American folkloric practice that holds a special and distinct place in today's global street art and graffiti movement. 

The exhibition spotlights iconic moniker artists, with a special focus on the enduring creative friendship between Russell Butler, also known as buZ blurr, and Bill Daniel, spanning over 30 years. In a heartfelt tribute, we also acknowledge the passing of the beloved Butler in January 2024, as this group show of like-minded makers now takes on an even more poignant role in honoring his lasting legacy.

In addition to the focus on buZ blurr and Bill Daniel, Moniker: An Origin Story will also present a group of 37 boxcar steel panels on loan from Massillon Museum. These panels feature unique moniker artworks from both living and departed artists within the tradition.

This exhibition aims to educate the diverse audience at the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam about the significance of the Moniker movement while also serving as a platform for enthusiasts. 

Explore this world of original and print artworks, connecting with the essence of this unique culture through the lens of pivotal artists. The exhibition is open to the public from Sunday, March 10th until Sunday, April 28th, 2024, and is included as part of a regular museum entry ticket. 

The full list of contributing artists includes:

2359, Alquimia Ferrocarrilera, Bill Daniel, Coaltrain, Colossus of Roads, Ed Haskel, Fat Owl, Flangesqueal, I'm Ugly, Khaze, The Kodak Kid, Lamps, Leroy Drown, Milktooth, Mr. Bass, NY Tomato, North Bank Fred, NOVA, POOH. The Rambler, Shrug, Smokin' Joe, The Solo Artist, Stonewall Jim, Swampy, Take 5, Tex Goth, Wooden Axle, Bozo Texino, Conrail Twitty, Herby, Iowa Blackie, J.B. King Esq, Matokie Slaughter, Mud Up, Taurus, El Truncón, Water Bed Lou.

STRAAT Gallery is our more intimate ‘white cube’ mezzanine gallery space. The gallery is located inside the massive STRAAT museum main hall just above the museum shop.  

The gallery is our chance to tell focused stories about the diversity and popularity of the global street art and graffiti culture.

Previous solo exhibitions include Dutch calligraffiti legend Niels Shoe Meulman, seminal graffiti movement founder Cornbread and street art icon Shepard Fairey.

We also make a habit of partnering our gallery exhibitions with other important galleries, museums, projects and curators in our community. This includes successful exhibitions with Denmark-based project The Jaunt and L.A.-based powerhouse Thinkspace Projects.

The STRAAT Gallery can be visited with a general admission ticket to STRAAT. 

Press inquiries can be directed to: gallery@straatmuseum.com

To see highlights from our previous gallery exhibitions, click here