Biography pages are kind of like, to quote Frank O’Hara, the “final chapter no one reads because the plot is over” — yet, a few words about my “social media” identity as SGCBSG:

In Norfolk, VA the hotels used to have signs up that read: “Street Girls Bringing Sailors Into the Hotel Have to Pay for Rooms In Advance”. I have often seen these signs reprinted and used decorations and/or posted on the web. Back in 2009, an associate of mine commented on a Tumblr or Twitter post featuring one of these signs: “Street girls… they can be such grifters, you know.” That phrase stuck with me. I have always been fascinated with urban history in Virginia (and elsewhere, which is a large part of what I tackle) so that’s my justification for using “Street Girls”.  For me, doing the whole website/blogging/internet identity plan is essentially a swindle of sorts, and a confidence game— that’s how I feel about the whole “branding” concept—thus, the term grifter in plural. For a long time, I’ve been aware when trying to research things and get access, I have to be a bit of a confidence man (sans criminality). That’s the philosophy behind the title. The phrase is antiquated enough to satisfy me; it seems to connect well with my general interests; and it sets the tone/mood for my “brand”.

Also, a decade ago, I was somewhat “internet famous” for creating a site called “Pretty Boys Make Graves” (a play off the old Smiths’ song) about tragic dead actors, specifically Sal Mineo. Part of me just liked the ring of “Pretty Boys Make Graves” and “Street Girls Can Be Such Grifters” together.

—KH Wilt, Curator

Norman Bluhm (1920–1999) and Frank O’Hara (1926–1966), Poem-Paintings, 1960. Watercolor and gouache on paper, 19 1/4 x 14 in. (48.9 x 35.6 cm) each. Grey Art Gallery, New York University Art Collection. Gift of Norman Bluhm, 1966.51. © Estates of Norman Bluhm