Chris DAZE Ellis

Brooklyn born-Bronx bred DAZE's first significant works appeared on Broadway (#1 IRT local) and the 2 and 5 IRTs during the late 1970s. At this time he was a member of the CYA crew. CYA included writers such as 2MAD, JEAN 13 and NAC. Unlike many other writers, DAZE did not remain content continually painting with the same crews on the same lines. Throughout his career he consciously sought diversity in artistic collaborations. He has painted with writers like CRASH, T KID, REPEL, MITCH 77, ZEPHYR, COPE2, DEZ, SKEME, DONDI, REPEL and CAZ 2. DAZE has painted on all 3 NYC subway divisions.

Inspired by widely admired crews such as the Death Squad, DAZE became focused on the more creative aspects of graffiti. He developed an incredible ability to merge complicated lettering with illustration, which has almost become a signature. He is widely praised within the graffiti community for his style.

In the early 1980s DAZE extended his artistic vision beyond the confines of the New York City subway system. He began painting canvases and displaying his work in galleries. He was among the first group of writers to experience success traveling the world as professional artists. The established art world's celebration of subway art during the 1980s was short term, but DAZE's intense level of commitment to his work allowed him success well beyond it. Today graffiti is once again being embraced by the fine arts world and DAZE has remained at the forefront. His work has been displayed in museums throughout the world, such as the Whitney Museum and Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work is also in many collections both public and private.

Though DAZE experiences mainstream success, he still participates in traditional graffiti art venues. For the sheer "love of the culture" He currently paints many large-scale murals in urban areas collaborating with writers from all over the world. DAZE Interview conducted by @149st

Photos: DAZE, ERIC DEAL


To CYA page

Visit: dazeworld.com

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