Wicker Park art has graffiti roots

In Wicker Park, the space between the Blue Line tracks and Milwaukee Avenue is a hop, skip, and a jump. But for graffiti artist Tyrue ‘Slang’ Jones, the distance spans nearly 30 years.

From Division to Logan, guys would hit the rooftops. The rooftops were the most visual. If West Town residents didn’t know Jones ( author these graffities) work before this summer, it’s likely they know it now. He was commissioned to produce two high-profile murals on Milwaukee Avenue: a wall-length piece inside the video arcade Emporium, followed by an outdoor piece on Evergreen Avenue along the side of the Hollywood Cleaners.

Emporium came first. After opening in March, the owners decided they wanted a mural with a “classic Chicago graffiti style” to mix with their arcades. They called Jones.

Taggers write on the side of tunnels because it’s a high-visibility area for commuters. Today, instead of using trains, Slang’s exposure comes from public, contracted works like the two on Milwaukee. The Emporium mural in particular was a full-circle moment.

“It’s a different thing from being chased away by a business owner.” He said.