Graffiti photo flashback: The reign of the TKO crew's KOZE

There have been a lot of changes in Denver's street-art scene over the past five years, as evidenced by the photos collected in our slide show "Tagging Up Denver." Originally published in tandem with Jared Jacang Maher's 2009 feature "The Writing's on the Wall," about the arrest and conviction of...

By Michael Roberts

July 18, 2014

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There have been a lot of changes in Denver's street-art scene over the past five years, as evidenced by the photos collected in our slide show "Tagging Up Denver."

Originally published in tandem with Jared Jacang Maher's 2009 feature "The Writing's on the Wall," about the arrest and conviction of Timothy Barajas, aka KOZE, the leader of Denver's TKO crew, the photos are a vivid reminder of the way things used to be. Check out the images below, complete with original 2009 cutlines. To read Maher's feature, click here.

Continue for more vintage photos and information about the reign of the TKO crew's KOZE. Continue for more vintage photos and information about the reign of the TKO crew's KOZE. Continue for more vintage photos and information about the reign of the TKO crew's KOZE. Continue for more vintage photos and information about the reign of the TKO crew's KOZE. Continue for more vintage photos and information about the reign of the TKO crew's KOZE.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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