In 1971, a seven-year-old Sandra Fabara made a life-changing move with her family from the lush rainforests of Ecuador to the bustling streets of Brooklyn. Growing up in this new environment, she quickly transitioned from climbing trees to exploring the MTA train yards, eventually earning herself the title of the queen of New York City graffiti: Lady Pink.
Lady Pink’s rise to fame in the graffiti world during the 1970s and ’80s was remarkable, especially as one of the few recognized female artists in a predominantly male scene. While she acknowledges the contributions of other female graffiti artists like Barbara 62, Eva 62, and Charmin 65, Lady Pink’s ability to transition her career from the streets to galleries set her apart.
Today, Lady Pink’s artwork reflects a blend of her childhood memories from the rainforests of Ecuador and her inspirations from artists like Antoni GaudĂ, Hayao Miyazaki, and Frank Frazetta. Her unique style captures the essence of an “urban jungle” with vibrant colors and intricate designs.
In a recent episode of the Hyperallergic Podcast, Lady Pink sat down with Editor-in-Chief Hrag Vartanian to discuss her journey from graffiti writer to gallery artist. They delved into topics such as her experiences as a woman in the graffiti world, collaborations with artists like Jenny Holzer and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and her relationship with graffiti legend Lee Quiñones.
Lady Pink’s work is currently on display in the exhibition “Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection” at the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibition runs through August 10, 2025, showcasing her evolution as an artist from the streets to galleries and museums.
For those interested in learning more about Lady Pink and her incredible journey in the art world, subscribe to Hyperallergic on Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Additionally, you can watch the full video of her conversation with Hrag Vartanian, featuring images of her artworks, on YouTube.
Overall, Lady Pink’s story is a testament to perseverance and creativity, inspiring young women artists around the world to pursue their passion for art and make their mark on the world.
