WAQAS GHANI

Q&A with DEK

Tell us a little about yourself

I am a New York City–based graffiti writer, muralist, wall dog painter, fabricator, sign painter, and avid trespasser and explorer of the city and its surrounding regions. As a creative, I embrace the philosophy of continuous design, constantly exploring new skills, techniques, and perspectives. My work is driven by a desire to leave a lasting footprint on the city I call home, transforming urban spaces into canvases that reflect both my vision and the energy of New York itself.

How did you come up with the name DEK / 2DX?

The name came through repetition of several different names until I landed on this particular one that seemed fit. It’s a name that chose me, and i felt suitable for properly place it in small spaces, but also gave me the capability to inscribe this name is large format when needed be.

What inspires all your different styles and images that you graff?

Living in a city like New York City provides constant inspiration at every turn. Creativity exists everywhere—from the architecture and streets to the people and neighborhoods that shape the city’s energy. Being surrounded by such a diverse range of influences allows me to visualize my graffiti art within everything around me. The city’s unique landscapes, varied placements, and ever-changing environments have pushed me to evolve creatively, helping me develop a wide range of distinct styles that reflect both the city and my personal growth as an artist.

You're someone that tends to pay homage to the graffiti artists that are no longer here. How important is the preservation of graffiti art to you?

I strongly believe in preserving graffiti culture. It’s important that it’s protected and passed down to the next generation so they can understand what the culture truly represents. When something is removed or erased, I feel a responsibility to do my best to preserve a fallen soldier’s name, ensuring their legacy is remembered and honored throughout our culture.

Who are some artists that paved the way for you?

I’m from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and some of the first artists who truly caught my attention were DINK PBS and WEB of KAOS INC, a tunnel and subway legend. Through their consistent presence, proper placement, and commitment to being “up,” their names stood out to me at a young age. Watching how they moved laid out a blueprint for what I felt was the right way to approach graffiti—earning exposure through placement, repetition, and respect for the craft. Their consistency and the way they routinely made their presence known left a lasting influence on my path as a graffiti artist.

How has style (footwear and apparel) influenced you growing up?

Growing up as a young hip-hop kid, fashion went hand in hand with graffiti art. As a teenager, I gravitated toward Lower Manhattan, especially the SoHo area. The graffiti there immediately drew my attention—tags and throw-ups covered the neighborhood, turning it into a living gallery. For graffiti writers, this was the Mecca of our artistic focus, surrounded by boutiques and fashion stores.

Naturally, we’d wake up, get fresh, and walk aimlessly in the downtown SoHo’s creative scene. There, you’d run into other young creatives just as fresh from head to toe, wearing sneakers we probably couldn’t afford at that age and flashy, well-put-together outfits that somehow made it work. Creating art and presenting yourself went hand in hand—your fit had to be on point the moment you stepped out the door. Between colorful North Face jackets, matching sneakers, and bold apparel, fashion became a gateway version of art school for us as creatives.

What would you like to see more of in your community?

I’d like to see more collaboration throughout the community. There’s a diverse and creative pool of artists, designers, and streetwear brands that could come together to create something truly unique through joint projects. With so many young, talented creatives and designers, the right collaborations could completely change the game and push the limits of the culture forward.

As you continue to practice your craft, what do you see for yourself in the future?

As I had mentioned previously, I am inspired by things As I continue to develop and refine my creative skills, I hope to explore opportunities for collaboration that allow me to diversify my designs across everyday products. My goal is to transform ordinary, inanimate objects into visually striking pieces, giving them a unique perspective and energy. By infusing my work into these items, I aim to create a visual experience that captures audiences, sparks inspiration, and pushes the culture forward through innovative and distinctive designs.

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