This is John Tsombikos, the artist formerly known as BORF.

He’s not the first graffiti artist I’ve photographed who prefers to keep himself anonymous (see GAIA).  However, with all the press John’s gotten over the years he’s become pretty well known in DC.  His arrest in 2005 was documented in The Washington Post and the paper also covered a 2007 exhibition by the BORF Brigade.  Plus the Express previewed his latest show at the Fridge, called Potty-Trained at Gunpoint. If that isn’t enough, read his Wikipedia page. (“Borf is good for your heart, the more you eat the more you.”)

Shepard Fairey’s OBEY posters were my introduction to the world of street art but the BORF moniker dominated DC for several years.  Those four letters were everywhere and on everything.  I started looking at homeless people to see if they’d been tagged while sleeping (to my knowledge nobody was).  Regardless of what you think of his graffiti, BORF was a lesson in artistic discipline.  It takes real commitment to tag what seemed like every garbage can, stop sign and fire hydrant in the District of Columbia (let’s not forget Roosevelt Bridge).  So when Fridge Gallery Director Alex Goldstein told me BORF was having a show, I had to be there.

Redbeard, whose likeness appeared earlier this year on our blog, helped BORF with electronics for this exhibition.

Redbeard told me the button (below right) is connected to the “a” key on a hidden keyboard, which operates a computer that controls a garage door installed inside the gallery.  What’s behind this garage door?  What’s with all the security cameras?  Why is there a box of Danish Wedding Cookies in this show?  See for yourself at the Fridge, as Potty-Trained at Gunpoint can be seen through October 10.

The Campbell’s soup can below was stolen by closing time.  When you visit the gallery, ask Alex who took it and report back.

Photo Credits: Joshua Yospyn (please ask permission to use our images)

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