UTAH & ETHER: THE BONNIE AND CLYDE OF GRAFF

UTAH and ETHER are a notorious graffiti couple who have built a legendary reputation for their bold, international escapades. Known as the "Bonnie and Clyde of graffiti," they gained notoriety for their relentless pursuit of tagging and painting transit systems worldwide, often at great personal risk.

Both originally from the U.S., they were heavily involved in the graffiti scene in cities like New York and Boston, which eventually led to legal trouble. After serving jail time and being placed on probation, they decided to break free from the limitations imposed on them. In 2011, they fled the U.S. to embark on a five-year journey through Asia, where they hit metros and trains across 11 countries and 37 cities, painting relentlessly while documenting their adventures. This period was captured in their book Probation Vacation: Lost in Asia, where they detailed both the thrill of their illegal activities and the challenges they faced, including narrow escapes from authorities and life-threatening situations​

(The Hundreds) ​(Acclaim Magazine).

Their graffiti work focuses heavily on urban spaces, particularly transit systems, which they consider the ultimate canvas. This obsession with trains and metros has made them key figures in what has been described as the "train-painting renaissance." Despite numerous arrests, intense legal battles, and even being attacked by security dogs during one of their escapes in Paris, UTAH and ETHER's commitment to their art remains unwavering

​(Acclaim Magazine).

The couple’s work is more than just graffiti; it’s a blend of street art, photography, and storytelling. While their legal issues have often shaped the direction of their travels and work, they remain deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of graffiti culture, continually moving forward to new locations and challenges. Their story is an emblem of the freedom and danger that defines the life of dedicated graffiti writers

​(The Hundreds).

For more details, you can check out interviews and videos where they dive into their experiences, like their adventures in Paris, their close calls with the law, and the stories behind some of their most iconic works.