Black Market: Big internet event by Richard “SEEN” Mirando.
In the late 70s early 80s Graffiti was taken over by the galleries. A handful of graffiti artists started painting canvas for galleries; SEEN was one of them. At this time the art world in the 80’s was looking for a change in aesthetic; this was the answer for the new form of art. The canvases produced by graffiti artists and the value of their work kept rising to untouchable prices for the purists, the “writers” or just graffiti-lovers. At that time, buying a conceptual graffiti piece was only a dream. Today, SEEN decides to put things back into context by selling his artwork at very accessible prices as means to return to the roots of graffiti as an artform of the streets!

Our mission is rather quite simple in nature. Over here at Black Market, they aim to bring you–i.e. the graffiti-loving public–quality works of art by a revolving consortium of renowned, as well as overlooked artists. You will notice, that the items offered are below that of the established market rates. Through mutual agreements with each individual artist, we are able to offer you quality works of art for the budget-minded collector. Though offered at rock bottom prices, never at any time was quality ever compromised on any item offered by us or the artists.

At Black Market, hope that you will embrace our unique marketing strategy and enjoy
viewing the items contained herein. Please be sure to view our site on a regular basis, as our stock
as well as artists offerings are constantly changing.

“SEEN”: BIOGRAPHIE
Richard Mirando, known as Seen, born 1961 in The Bronx, New York, is one of the most prominent
American graffiti artists, often referred to as The Godfather of Graffiti. He 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 colour wholecars with members such as PJAY, DUSTER, SIN and his brother MAD.   For the next 16 years his pieces were running across the city and on all lines but 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 include not only solo exhi-
bitions but also group shows with artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat,
Dondi, Quik, Blade and Lee. Despite the high demand for his work in Europe and constant world
travel, Seen continued to hit the New York subway trains right up until 1989, long after many had
admitted defeat to the MTA. He was also featured prominently in the PBS documentary
Style Wars (1983).

In the late 1980’s 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 3D 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.

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To check out this event and to purchase some art pieces, visit:  www.blkmarket.net

via EM Staff, 13 October 2008 1:11pm | |