A New York graffiti artist claims to have spray-painted a nacelle of one of the US Air Force presidential transport Boeing 747-200B (VC-25A) with a name tag in an act of protest against restrictions on free speech.
Marc Ecko, who now runs Eckō Unltd clothing range and publishes Complex lifestyle magazine, claims to have tagged the nacelle of engine number one of the aircraft while it was on the runway at Andrews AFB in Suitland, Maryland at some point in the past week. He has released a video purporting to show him carrying out the act, in which he spray paints the words "Still Free" on the engine cowling (see below).
It is unclear when the act is claimed to have taken place and which of the two VC-25As it involved and Ecko promises to release further details on his web site.
However, Ecko is understood to be promoting a new video game and many believe the video to be an elaborate hoax.
Ecko, who was born in Orange County, California and moved to East Brunswick, New Jersey to found Eckō Unltd in 1992, says he painted the aircraft to protest against laws against outdoor art in various cities including New York. "The fact that ignorant politicians continue to enact laws against one of the recognised art forms, arguably that my generation has delivered to the American people and the World, just doesn't sit well with me," says Ecko. "Spray painting the president's plan seemed like a great way to open a dialogue," he says.
Ecko says on his website that he does not condone illegal activity, acts of vandalism, or the destruction of other people's property.
Blog:
Read Flightglobal's online editor Justin Wastnage on how the Air Force One tagging story snowballed and what it means for traditional advertising media
External link:
If you are unable to see the video within the browser above, click this link to download the video of Mark Ecko tagging one of the US Air Force presicential transport Boeing 747-200Bs
Source: Flight International