Graffiti and the Ocean: Coloring the World Below
Graffiti, as an art form, emerged from the vibrant streets of New York during the 1960s, eventually crossing the Atlantic and making its bold mark on European cities. By the early 1980s, Vienna was alive with graffiti’s rebellious spirit. The city’s metro stations, especially along the iconic green U4 line, became colorful canvases for urban artistry—a daily visual treat during my school commutes that still lingers in my memory. Even in Hawaii, graffiti finds its place—Kahala’s beach access pathways are adorned with murals along the property walls of $20 million homes.
While I wasn’t a graffiti artist myself, the creative energy of those years influenced me deeply. So much so that I went through my own radical style phase, including a Grace Jones-inspired haircut—definitely a bold leap for a young girl! Over time, my edgy style mellowed, especially after moving to Hawaii, where the Aloha spirit introduced me to a more balanced and Zen approach to life.
But that love for bold expression never left me. Recently, I channeled it into a creative AI/CC daily theme project inspired by Sabina Podjed --sref Style. This exploration of graffiti’s vibrant energy inspired a collection that reimagines the underwater world, infusing it with pops of color and dynamic patterns. Diving has always been about experiencing beauty and wonder, and this project brings that same sense of adventure to life.
Graffiti may have started on city streets, but its spirit of creativity and self-expression knows no boundaries—not even the ocean’s depths. Who says the underwater world can’t be as bold and colorful as a Viennese metro station in the '80s?
To view entire collection click here.
