GRAFFITI ARTIST SEEN -  "S Grid #5" NYC Map

GRAFFITI ARTIST SEEN - "S Grid #5" NYC Map

SEEN - Spray paint on NYC Map . Size measures 23×32” . Approx 2007.

Signed lower right in marker SEEN. 

 

 

DEFYING LOGIC

"Roaming around storage areas are often where I often spend my days, and where I have made many of my best personal discoveries. It was in the archives of the Museum of the City of New York that I first came across the treasure trove of black books that came to be featured in the recent exhibition and companion publication City as Canvas.

When Dirty Pilot asked me to look around their virtual “back pages” to look for a selection of overlooked gems, I gladly accepted. What is better than the thrill of the hunt? The results are a selection of work from the “back room” that are exceptional pieces by some of the masters of this art form – be it the iconic tag of TAKI 183, the psychedelic bubble stylings of PART ONE, or the comic book influenced spray can man and “Jack Kirby krackle” of DR. REVOLT, 

Regardless of whether these treasures are created with pens, markers, paint, or spray paint, the common thread is lettering. It was the origin and will always be at the heart of this particular art form.

My treasure hunt is now yours to enjoy. Make a few discoveries of you own."

Sean Corcoran, Curator at Museum of the City of New York

More about the show at MCNY - http://www.mcny.org/content/city-canvas

 

About the Artist

SEEN

Richard "Richie" Mirando, known as Seen UA, born 1961 in The Bronx, New York, is one of the most well known Graffiti artists in the world, often referred to as the Godfather of Graffiti, although he did not pioneer the movement.

Seen first started to paint on New York's Subway in 1973. His crew United Artists (or simply UA) quickly gained the reputation for producing full-color throw-ups on whole cars.

For the next 16 years his pieces were running across the city and on all lines, but they were especially prominent on the 2,5 and 6 lines. He was responsible for dozens of whole-car top-to-bottoms, many of which have become iconic images of the time.

It was during the very early 1980s that Seen started producing work on canvas, shown by galleries and bought by museums and private collectors across the globe. These included not only solo exhibitions but also group shows with artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat , Dondi, Quik, Blade, and Lee Quinones. Despite the high demand for his work in Europe and constant world travel, Seen continued to hit the New York subway trains until 1989, long after increased pressure from the MTA had stopped many from doing so. He was also featured prominently in the 1983 PBS documentary Style Wars

In the late 1980s Seen also turned his talent to Tattoo art, opening Tattoo SEEN, which quickly became one of the most successful studios in New York. Seen's recent work includes three-dimensional sculpture, mixed media work with reclaimed or discarded materials (often found in the street), and a series of hand-painted, limited-edition MTA New York subway maps. He continues to exhibit worldwide and produce work with and alongside artists such as Banksy.

In 2009, the  SEEN Gallery opens in Paris before becoming the SEEN Studio's, France. He also has been exhibited at the Fondation Cartier.

In 2010, he has shown at the Magda Danysz Gallery with a solo show on the three floors of the gallery.

In 2011, he signed on with Opera Gallery (12 locations worldwide), and the Paris location featured his work. Dirtypilot worked with SEEN from Jan 2011 - summer of 2017.