Tuesday, April 26, 2011

#FREEREVOK -UPDATE!



This is our first attempt at #trending on Twitter.

Revok's website is encouraging folks to keep the word out there, and we are happy to support the cause. You can also help get the word out there by sending #FREEREVOK out on the social networking sites.

We heard word of a fundraiser for Revok, but no hard details. Anyone have any information on that?

***UPDATE-Thanks. The fundraiser is a collaborative effort from Askew/Known Gallery/1xRun and 100% of the proceeds from this piece go to Revok's defense fund. Here is what it says on the site, and make sure to visit to support Revok, and get a cool piece of art in the process. We just ordered ours--#0035. Show your support and help #FREEREVOK***

ASKEW, Known Gallery, and 1xRUN have teamed up to raise money for REVOK’s Legal Defense Fund
Today we’re releasing a print by ASKEW, and 100% of the proceeds will go to REVOK’s legal defense fund. In light of the recent arrest of REVOK, we’re releasing this print to help the cause. REVOK has been a big supporter of past 1xRUN releases and we’re down to do what we can to help.

"A few weeks ago I completed this painting for my good friend Revok. At the time it was purely a symbol of appreciation for the support and friendship he has shown me over the time I've
known him. At the time I put this image up on the Internet I said that it's one thing to meet an artist that you admire so much and they give you the time of day but for them to become such a loyal friend, so staunchly in your corner -that's something I'm grateful for beyond words.

It saddens me that today I know my friend has been dragged into the system - a system that fears what he represents to others and as a result he is subject to being made an example of to deter others. In the midst of Los Angeles' current climate, with a war waged on art in public space that is excessive to say the least I also feel that Revok has become a symbol for the city and law enforcements anger. The danger of this is the way it can skew the course of true justice and the basic right to a fair and objective treatment within the system.

Those that know the entire story know what I am talking about. The lengths that law enforcement, particularly the LA County Sheriffs Department have gone to harass Revok over the past 3 years. The amount of energy and resources that have gone into pursuing and convicting him could only be justified if what I am saying is correct. Revok has transcended beyond being just another person doing graffiti to become a leader and a major influence on writers the world over. There is significant power in that - he has become a symbol and the powers that be seek to destroy that.

My fears for my friend is that although he has been sentenced that it's not over. Now that he is trapped within the system they could potentially seek to charge him with more - a fact alluded to in yesterday's news reports. This is a tactic often employed by law enforcement - to make defending yourself a financially exhaustive scenario, not to mention with significant restrictions of communication being that he is already incarcerated. It is not cheap to defend yourself in the US legal system and with no means to earn money while locked up this a very real concern.

This is why today I'm appealing to Revok's fans, friends and supporters to do what they can to help him out. The good people at 1XRun have offered to run an edition of this wall I painted as a quality Giclee print to help raise money for any costs related to supporting Revok in this crazy situation.

I thank you all in advance for your time and support. Let us as a community set a positive precedent and stand up for a person that has given so much influence to this art form." - ASKEW

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