Wildstyle

Graffiti Artist Tracy 168

Original on canvas

Measures approx. 97 1/2" x 70 1/2" gallery wrapped

TRACY 168 (born Michael Tracy in 1958) is a renowned American graffiti artist. He was the first to do the artful interlocking letters in 1973 which is now the standard of graffiti art. He was the originator and the prisoner of that movement which as part of rap music changed world culture.

TRACY 168 was born at New York Hospital on E.68 Street. He is known as one of the founding fathers of the art form and started Wildstyle graffiti. He is featured extensively in the documentary ' Just to Get a Rap' and discusses WILDSTYLE and the troubled relationship between graffiti and the established art world. In July 2006, an art piece by Tracy 168 from 1984 utilized a real subway car door and showcased his piece on it. The piece was shown at the Brooklyn Museum of Art during their month-long exhibit, 'Graffiti '.

Tracy was the mentor to many street and graffiti artists; Keith Haring and SAMO amongst them. Despite appearing in major gallery and museum shows 'Tracy' maintains a solid street presence with his classic STREET MURALS in Brooklyn and the Bronx, where he currently resides. Tracy 168 is famous for his tags of a drawing called Purple Haze which relates and serves as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. The artwork was part of the Experience Music Project.

Led Zeppelin Airplane

Hand signed by the photographer, Bob Gruen

Limited Edition of 200 prints

Measures approx. 45 3/8" x 38 1/4" framed

Bob Gruen is one of the most well-known and respected photographers in rock and roll. From John Lennon to Johnny Rotten; Muddy Waters to the Rolling Stones; Elvis to Madonna; Bob Dylan to Bob Marley; Tina Turner to Debbie Harry, he has captured the music scene for over forty years in photographs that have gained worldwide recognition.

Shortly after John Lennon moved to New York in 1971, Bob became John and Yoko’s personal photographer and friend, making photos of their working life as well as private moments. In 1974 he created the iconic images of John Lennon wearing a New York City t-shirt and standing in front of the Statue of Liberty making the peace sign – two of the most popular of Lennon’s images.

As chief photographer for Rock Scene Magazine in the 70’s, Bob specialized in candid, behind the scenes photo features. He toured extensively with the emerging punk and new wave bands including the New York Dolls, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Ramones, Patti Smith Group and Blondie. Bob has also worked with major rock acts such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Elton John, Aerosmith, Kiss and Alice Cooper.