Philadelphia, PA – Graffiti fans in the East Falls and Wissahickon neighborhoods may recognize the signature black-and-white spotted tag of the mysterious street artist known as ShamCow. Now, the artist’s distinctive style has expanded from city walls to beer cans, thanks to a collaboration with Twisted Gingers Brewing Company in Manayunk.
On Black Friday, the brewery unveiled a partnership with the elusive ShamCow, whose work has sparked a social media buzz and even inspired a fan website. The collaboration resulted in the release of the ShamCow! IPA, a craft beer featuring the artist’s bright blue and orange tag prominently displayed on the cans.
The ShamCow! IPA boasts “crisp citrus notes, mango, and signature ‘Candy Lolli-Pop’ flavors” derived from Superdelic hops, according to the brewery. A portion of the beer’s proceeds will benefit the agricultural program at Walter B. Saul High School in Roxborough. “After all, that’s where the cows live around here,” Twisted Gingers stated, highlighting the school’s local impact and educational initiatives.
In an interview with CBS News Philadelphia, ShamCow reflected on the unexpected popularity of the graffiti tag. “It kind of took me by surprise, how popular it became and how many posts [there were],” the artist shared. “There were so many different people from so many different walks of life basically enjoying it and saying they want more of it.”
While ShamCow’s work has drawn admiration from fans, the artist is aware of its controversial nature. Speaking with reporter Ross DiMattei, ShamCow emphasized a personal code of ethics, avoiding tagging government property or playgrounds to minimize disruption. “I don’t want to paint something somewhere that’s going to mess someone’s morning up,” the artist explained.
However, ShamCow acknowledged the illegality of the art and questioned the allocation of city resources for graffiti cleanup, suggesting they be redirected toward addressing issues like speeding, which pose greater risks to public safety.
This collaboration marks a creative blending of urban art and local business, with a charitable twist benefiting the community. Twisted Gingers Brewing Company and ShamCow’s partnership serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between art, legality, and community support.
Note: CBS News Philadelphia and Twisted Gingers Brewing Company do not condone illegal activity.
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