SinAe1: A Pioneer in Graffiti Culture and Hip-Hop
SinAe, whose Korean birthname means “Hope” (Sin) and “Love” (Ae), was born in the 1970s and raised in the vibrant cultural landscape of the 1980s. Growing up, SinAe was deeply influenced by the artistic surroundings of her home, as her father was a creative force who immersed her in art from a young age. This early exposure to art laid the foundation for what would become her lifelong passion and career.
In her early teenage years, SinAe discovered Hip-Hop, a culture that would profoundly shape her identity and artistic expression. Initially drawn to the music element, she worked in a vinyl shop, where she was not only surrounded by the sounds of Hip-Hop but also came into contact with the tools of another influential art form—graffiti. The shop sold cans, graffiti tools, and merchandise, sparking her curiosity and passion for the visual side of Hip-Hop culture.
Inspired by the legendary graffiti scene of New York and influenced by the German graffiti pioneers she had the privilege of learning from, SinAe studied the artform’s history and style. She became fascinated with the raw, vibrant essence of classic New York graffiti—its quick, bold lettering and bright colors, often seen on steel surfaces like subway cars. She embraced the simple, direct style that graffiti demanded, and over time, she refined her own approach, becoming known for her readable lettering infused with a distinct feminine touch.
Though recognized for her work as a StyleWriter, SinAe’s influence goes far beyond her art. She made her mark as the founder of STICKUPGIRLZ, the first international and global all-women’s graffiti crew. This trailblazing collective not only elevated female representation in the graffiti world but also inspired countless women to step into a male-dominated space with confidence and creativity. Under her leadership, STICKUPGIRLZ paved the way for a new generation of women artists, leaving an indelible mark on the global graffiti scene.
Today, SinAe remains a celebrated figure in both the Hip-Hop and graffiti communities, known for her artistic integrity, her deep connection to graffiti’s history, and her enduring commitment to empowering women through art.
