SAR (Charlie Giglia)
Mad Graffiti Artists
1990
Marker on paper
19.5 × 27 cm
Unique
Location: Paris, France
Arianee token ID
316149586
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About the artwork
This composition, created with a marker on paper, features prominent central "throw-up" style lettering of the artist's tag, "SAR." The letters are rendered in a light teal fill with a dark red outline and drop shadow, creating a three-dimensional effect. Star shapes are incorporated into the negative space of the “A” and “R,” filled with the same dark red. To the right of the main tag, a smaller, more intricate rendition of “SAR” appears within a lightning bolt motif, accompanied by the text “FREAKS AT LARGE” and an arrow pointing downward.
The artwork includes several textual elements that provide context. Above the main tag, the artist lists other graffiti artists: “SAR: SACH: QUIK: CAVS: REVOUT,” followed by “MAD GRAFFITI ARTISTS...”. Below the main tag, “RTW” is visible, indicating one of the artist’s crews, and the year “1990” is inscribed. Further below, the phrase “Rolling Thunder 1990” is written, suggesting a specific event or crew affiliation. The piece serves as a declaration of artistic identity and a tribute to peers within the graffiti community of that era.
Expert opinion
This work is part of the Street Art/Urban Art movement, specifically capturing a moment in the New York graffiti scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this period, graffiti evolved from being solely a subcultural phenomenon to gaining recognition in galleries and art institutions, leading to the creation of more formalized works on paper and canvas. The inclusion of other artists’ names and crew affiliations situates the piece within a specific social and artistic network, reflecting the collaborative and competitive nature of the graffiti world. As a record of a specific tag and crew activity by a well-known artist of the era, the piece holds historical value within the context of urban art history.
About the artist
Charlie Giglia, known by various aliases including SAR, VIKING, SZAR, and SARCASTIC 109, is an American artist associated with the street art movement. His career developed within the context of graffiti culture, where he became affiliated with prominent crews such as TMB, MOD, TOP, FAL, and RI. Giglia's practice often involves the reappropriation of public and commercial surfaces, transforming them into canvases for his distinctive lettering and graphic style. His work frequently explores themes of identity, urban landscape, and the ephemeral nature of street art. Through his various monikers, Giglia has established a presence in both underground and more formalized art contexts. His output includes murals, canvas works, and smaller-scale pieces on found objects or commercial labels, reflecting a consistent engagement with the materials and aesthetics of his origins.
Additional info
Signed
Dated
3x
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