Politics

Craig Costello was born in 1971 and grew up in Queens, New York, immersed in the graffiti, skate, and punk scenes. After moving to San Francisco for art school, he became interested in photography and conceptual art, beginning a transition away from “classic graffiti ‘tags’” and towards more abstract drips of ink. Costello is well known for creating his own twists on classic graffiti instruments, modifying traditional paint markers such as the UNI PX70 and creating his own inks, often silver inks. In 1998, Costello moved back to New York and began to sell his ink and markers at the Lower East Side design shop Alife. His brand, Krink, is the first ink and marker company targeted toward graffiti writers. Since its inception nearly three decades ago, Krink has grown into a global brand that also sells apparel and accessories and has collaborated with brands like Nike, Vans, and Tiffany & Co. In addition to running Krink, Costello continues to create independent artwork which has been exhibited at museums including the Palais De Tokyo and the Museum of Contemporary Art.