POTATO WITH SALT: Jejak Satu Dekade Graffiti PWS Crew
Graffiti is more than just street art—it's a form of self-expression that pushes the boundaries of space. One collective that has emphasized this is PWS Crew, better known as Potato with Salt. Established in 2014, this graffiti crew has just celebrated a decade of their journey in street art with the launch of their first book, POTATO WITH SALT, published by ARRRMADA and released at Studioland, South Tangerang, on September 22, 2024.
PWS Crew began with an invitation from Pyno, one of the founding members, to two other graffiti writers, ADV51 and Crez1. From that initial meeting, the crew formed and steadily grew over time, becoming one of the most active and consistent graffiti collectives in Indonesia. Over the years, PWS Crew welcomed new members, expanding to include graffiti writers from various regions in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bali, and East Nusa Tenggara.
Though PWS is considered a relatively young crew compared to other graffiti collectives in Indonesia, their contributions to the graffiti scene are undeniable. Their consistency in creating street art, as well as working through other mediums, has garnered significant attention. The images they’ve left on city walls are not just a testament to their presence in Indonesia but have also spread to countries like Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, London, Amsterdam, New York City, and even Puerto Rico. PWS Crew's global reach is due in part to members who frequently travel, with some even living abroad, making PWS a prime example of how graffiti can transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.
The PWS Crew consists of a diverse group of members spanning multiple generations, each bringing their own uniqueness. Some of the more recognizable names in the crew include Cakes, Samva, Alphabad, Ramsta, Pyno, Anio, Crez1, Setsu, Rimo145, Stimy, Mambo, Dyeget, and ADV51. Every member has a distinct style and perspective on graffiti, but these differences are what make PWS Crew so unique and cohesive. Their varied backgrounds, experiences, and approaches to graffiti have become the crew’s strength. They manage to unite these diverse styles into one distinct identity. Amid the ever-evolving street art scene, PWS Crew consistently maintains both their character and integrity, as individuals and as a collective.
To commemorate ten years of working together, PWS Crew collaborated with ARRRMADA to release a book titled POTATO WITH SALT. This book marks a significant milestone in their journey as one of Indonesia's leading graffiti crews. It’s more than just a visual archive; it’s a compilation of PWS Crew’s decade-long journey, including documentation of their works.
Ten years is no short time for a graffiti collective. Yet, PWS Crew has proven their resilience, standing strong amidst the various challenges faced in the graffiti world, both in Indonesia and on the international stage. Through their works, PWS has established graffiti as a visual art form that deserves recognition.
With the release of POTATO WITH SALT, PWS Crew continues to solidify their place in the world of graffiti, not only celebrating their past decade but also paving the way for what’s to come.
