American artist Raymond Pettibon initially started out inking swastikas on gang members in prison. Speaking to Dazed in a forthcoming interview, he said: "Growing up in LA is like growing up in a melting pot. You can make a shank or a tattoo needle out of anything. Whatever you start with it’s going to spit blood at the end." This can-do ability to cultivate art in any circumstance – even more than his iconic work with Black Flag and Sonic Youth – has sealed Pettibon's place in America's alt art hall-of-fame.

Pettibon's newest show, "To Wit", opening tonight in new York, is characterised by a colourful sense of raw spontaneity. Pettibon has come a long way from the artistic confinement of prison tattooing: an exploration of "high" and "low" American culture, the exhibition presents drawings and collages deftly complimented with totally amazing explanatory captions. 

The opening launch for Raymond Pettibon's "To Wit' exhibition is tonight at New York's David Zwirnir Gallery.Click above for the glallery, and get the November issue of Dazed & Confused