SEEN (American b.1961) Untitled, 2019. 24 x 18". Spray paint on canvasHand-signed and dated on verso. Provenance: Artnet Auctions, Jessica Leigh Collection, Bedford Art Gallery, Brooklyn New York. Richie Mirando, affectionately known as 'Seen,' and “Godfather of Graffiti” was born on October 17, 1961, in the Bronx, New York City. Seen's artistic journey began in 1973 when he embarked on the New York City Subway system, wielding spray cans as his instruments of expression. Alongside fellow creatives in the United Artists (UA) crew such as Duster, Sin, and Mad, Seen's signature style of vibrant lettering and vivid depictions of mass-media cartoon characters quickly garnered him acclaim.The early 1980s marked a pivotal moment in Seen's career as he transitioned his talents onto canvas, expanding his artistic footprint beyond the subway tunnels. In 1983, his pivotal role in the graffiti and hip-hop documentary 'Style Wars,' crafted by Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant, thrust him further into the spotlight. His contributions to the genre were also immortalized in seminal works like 'Subway Art' by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, and 'American Graffiti' by Margo Thompson.Despite rubbing shoulders with art luminaries like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat throughout the 1980s, Seen remained deeply connected to the urban landscape that birthed his artistry. In the late 1980s, he made another indelible mark by founding Tattoo Seen, a renowned tattoo parlor that served as a hub for creativity in New York City.Driven by a relentless passion for self-expression, Seen navigated the evolving cultural landscape by diversifying his mediums, venturing into tattooing and clothing design. As graffiti's allure waned in the mid-1980s, Seen's ingenuity propelled him towards new avenues of artistic exploration.Over four decades of prolific output, Seen's influence has rippled across generations of creatives, shaping the contemporary art scene with his bold aesthetic and innovative spirit. His work has transcended geographical boundaries, gracing prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, from Paris to New York, London to Copenhagen.Seen's legacy extends far beyond the confines of traditional graffiti, embodying the ethos of urban artistry and cultural rebellion. Whether adorning subway cars with his vibrant murals or pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through canvas and sculpture, Seen continues to captivate audiences with his boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Excellent. Unframed. Rolled canvas.

24 x 18 in