Mark Twain famously opined, "Politicians, old buildings, and prostitutes become respectable with age."   If we can be somewhat more contemporaneous - without becoming overly cynical - we hereby paraphrase;  "Rock stars, film actors and artists become venerated in death."


      Examples are many, as highlighted by the recent passing of "old school" graff artist Dan Whedon.   (Here we note: any graff artist who vandalized New York City trains back in the day is so anointed with the accolade "old school".)   He rose to fame, or at least notoriety and peer recognition under the tag, 'OMNI'.   Nor should this 'fame' be a surprise to anyone : original, stark, colorful and disconcerting, his pieces were irresistible to the eye of even the most jaded.


      Dan Whedon passed away on 21 February 2019 from a reported drug overdose.   Another in the unending, serial drug deaths that, in these fast times, plague the famous, the gutter-dweller and all walks in between.   Death by OD is now so commonplace, it has become tacitly acceptable - rarely even raising an eyebrow.   It has, for the first time in US history, surpassed deaths-by-gunshot.   And, as bizarre as it may seem, in the case of 'celebrity death', it has become a 'fame-multiplier' (...as sad and twisted as that may be...).


      Originally, Dan was a founding member of New York's '156 Crew' graff crew, however, more recently, he participated in the making of videos, as well as spraypainting murals, commissioned and otherwise.   Much of his huge body of work can be found on his ongoing website Dan Whedon - Omni < link >.


      In the aftermath of Dan's tragic death, his many friends have marshaled forces and are donating personal funds directly, and have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of creating a proper memorial.   Their kick-off of the GoFundMe raised $8,500 within hours - and looks to easily reach their goal of $10,000.

      By way of eulogy from his pals; "May his colors never fade," and, "Rest in Paint".