Memorial for Graffiti Writer “NEKST” on the Bowery

The graffiti community is in mourning after the loss of a Mad Society King (“MSK”) – NEKST. Locals will recognize this Houston-based street writer best for his longstanding, gargantuan tag at the base of the Germania Bank Building on the Bowery. So, it’s rather fitting that the site recently became a headstone of sorts, with fans creating a makeshift memorial of candles, spray cans, and empty beer bottles.

NEKST began writing in 1996 (as “Next”) and eventually ascended the ladder to become a heavyweight in the scene. He once stated in an interview that “my work has always been about scale and visibility.” Indeed, most of his city tags were a feast for the eyes.

Online reports seem to place time of death as shortly before Christmas, but exact date and circumstances remain unknown. Graffiti gossips on message boards continue to speculate as to how he died, but many point to possible overdose.