Kiwi artists win graffiti competition

A team of Kiwi artists have won first prize in the world's largest graffiti competition.

TMD (The Most Dedicated) took the overall title at the Write4Gold Aerosol Art World Finals, held as part of Germany's Splash Hip-Hop and Reggae Festival.

The Auckland artists, featuring Exist, Phat1, Ryze, Deus and Askew, were the only crew to win a place in each category. Together they beat Germany, the United States, and Poland in the concept painting category. Individually, Askew won the tags competition and tied for third in throwups, (bubble lettering). Deus came second in sketching.

New Zealand won the competition overall, heading off Germany and the US. The NZ$14,000 prize included a scooter, clothing and art supplies.