Team
A collaboration between Mikael Vesavuori and Thom Kiraly.
Tracking the graffiti-artists KUK and BÖG across the world with the use of photography and geotags.
KUKBÖG is a project wherein we try to map the activities of graffiti-artists KUK and BÖG. They are two of Sweden's most active taggers and if you've been to or lived in Sweden you've probably seen their names on the walls.
KUK
Considered, by many, to be the Scandinavian cousin of writer Cornbread KUK started tagging and bombing back in the sixties, before hip hop, before wild style, before suburban kids in weird sneakers thought it was cool to do a wholecar and run from fake police. KUK has never been one for extravagance or fancy
coloring, instead the focus lies on spreading the tag from town to town and gaining a rep through sheer presence.
KUK's name translates into COCK and was chosen for it's simplicity and potential for outrage.
BÖG
The origins of BÖG is somewhat unclear and the true identity of this prolific artist is yet to be revealed, however, reports indicate that BÖG started writing in the late 70s in the area surrounding Stockholm. Drawing on the style of TAKI 183 BÖG quickly became the king (or queen, as mentioned above the identity is not clear) of the commuter lines in the area. As with KUK BÖG's style is very simple and a full piece from this writer is not to be expected.
The name BÖG is the Swedish word for fag (not cigarettes) and it is believed that the name stems from personal encounters between KUK and BÖG during which they decided on a common general style and performance.
KUK and BÖG are both experimenters by nature and it's hard to find a single consistent theme in their work aside from the simple style and their impressive presence throughout Sweden.