Speaking with Graffiti Pioneer Charles Henry aka Flip One

June 7, 2016

A pioneer of the graffiti movement, Charles Henry aka FLIP One was immortalized in Flint Gennari’s classic photo of him tagging a Coney Island-bound train over 40 years ago.  And this past spring the now-iconic photo made its way onto a stencil fashioned by Balu for the Centre-fuge Public Art Project.  I met up with the artist — now an LA-based Emmy award-winning cinematographer — while he was visiting NYC last month. 

When and where did you first get up? 

It was back in 1974 in Propsect Park, Brooklyn.  I was 15. 

What inspired you to? 

Flint’s writings were everywhere in my neighborhood.  He was my main inspiration.  He also got me into photography.  Other writers such as Spin, Coco 144 and Mico also influenced me.  And I loved the adrenalin rush hitting the trains late nights and the little bit of fame watching my name go by. 

What was your preferred surface back then? 

The Franklin Avenue shuttle. 

How did your family feel about what you were doing? 

They were not happy.  My dad used to work for the MTA. 

Do you have any specific graffiti memory that stands out? 

I saw once — and only once — an LL Cool J top to bottom while I was riding the train to school.  I will never forget that! 

Entering the 7 yard with Flint, Dime 139 and Asp across from Shea Stadium during a playoff game in the World Series.  Luckily, the cops — who were supposed to be watching the yard — were too busy watching the game on their little black and white TV to pay attention to us!  And so we managed to get in and out and do our thing in broad daylight without anyone noticing. 

Has your work ever been exhibited? 

Yes, my work has appeared in Flint Gennari’s photos in several galleries and museums.  My small trains have been exhibited in galleries in LA. 

How do you feel about the movement of graffiti into galleries? 

I think it’s great!  It suggests that what we did has meaning. 

What about the increasing engagement of the corporate world in the graffiti subculture? 

I used to hate it, but it doesn’t bother me any more.  Writers risked getting arrested, maimed — and more — for what they did.  They should be paid!