TOTEMO is thrilled to highlight legendary Japanese graffiti artist SNIPE1 as our Artist of the Month! A true pioneer in Japan’s graffiti scene, SNIPE1 has spent nearly three decades pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes, and leaving his mark across the urban art landscape.
A Legacy in Graffiti SNIPE1’s journey began in the early ’90s, when he immersed himself in New York City’s graffiti scene as a teenager. Inspired by the raw energy of NYC subway graffiti, he built connections with global graffiti communities before returning to Japan, where he became a key figure in the underground movement. His signature style blends street culture with an unapologetic edge, making his work instantly recognizable.
Throughout his career, SNIPE1 has worked on major collaborations with top fashion brands and contributed to the artistic production of works by Takashi Murakami and MADSAKI. His art has been exhibited at Murakami’s Hidari Zingaro Gallery and showcased in the world’s largest urban art exhibition, Beyond the Streets, in both Los Angeles and New York. His influence continues to shape the future of Asian Urban Contemporary Art.
The New TOTEMO Drop We’re excited to announce the latest TOTEMO collection featuring two standout pieces from SNIPE1’s recent projects:
- Design Festa Gallery Shutter Mural: Originally painted last year in collaboration with TOTEMO, this piece — still visible in Harajuku — features a beloved Japanese cartoon seal alongside song lyrics, merging pop culture with graffiti aesthetics.
- Art Golden Gai Exhibition Piece: A bold artwork of a cat clutching spray cans, first unveiled at SNIPE1’s exhibition in ART GOLDEN GAI. This piece no longer exists because after the ephemeral exhibition the whole building was demolished.
Both works are now available in a limited-edition drop on TOTEMO, bringing his raw street expression into a collectible form.
Upcoming Solo Exhibition: ‘DESPERADO Putting a Shame in The Game’ Mark your calendars! SNIPE1’s latest solo exhibition is set to take over Shintora Gallery in Tokyo across two weekends: 📅 March 6–9 & March 13–16, 2025 (14:00–20:00)
📍 Shintora Gallery, 1F Inagawa Building, 1–19–3 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
🎤 Artist Talk on March 14 at 19:00 (Reservation Required)
Expect a powerful showcase of SNIPE1’s raw and provocative artistry, along with exclusive new works available for purchase.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, SNIPE1’s impact on the graffiti world is undeniable. Check out the latest drop on TOTEMO and immerse yourself in his world at ‘DESPERADO’ this March!
