Samuel E. Vázquez

2017 IAHI Visiting Artist

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1970 to parents of African, Spanish, French, and Jewish descent. His parents recognized his artistic inclination at the age of four and encouraged him to explore the arts. In 1979 the family moved to New York City where Samuel first became aware of the graffiti that covered the city's subways and walls. By 1983 Samuel began painting and writing the subways using the name "Brame." He is a member of numerous New York City graffiti crews. After the New York City subway graffiti era ended, Vázquez shifted his focus to furthering his education. He holds degrees from New York City College of Technology, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, and the Herron School of Art and Design.

During is time at IAHI, Vázquez will be undertaking primary research on a historical Street Writing project.