Godfather of Graffiti Seen UA | |
|---|---|
 Seen at the SEEN CITY exhibition in Paris, 2007 | |
| Born | Richard Mirando |
| Style | Wildstyle |
| Movement | Graffiti |
| Website | graffitiloser |
Richard Mirando, known asSeen, is an Americangraffitiartist.[1][2] He is one of the best known graffiti artists in the world and has been referred to as the Godfather of Graffiti.[1]
Seen first started to paint on theNew York City Subway system in 1973.[1]
He was born inthe Bronx,New York City.
For the next 16 years he painted pieces across the city and on all subway routes, but they were especially prominent on the2,5, and6 trains. He was responsible for dozens of whole-car top-to-bottoms, many of which have become iconic images of the time.[citation needed]
During the very early 1980s he started producing work on canvas, shown by galleries and bought by museums and private collectors.[citation needed] He continued to paint New York City subway trains until 1989, long after increased pressure from theMTA had stopped many from doing so. He was included in the 1983PBS documentaryStyle Wars.[citation needed]
In the late 1980s he also undertooktattoo art, opening Tattoo Seen, a tattoo parlor[1] which became one of the most successful studios in New York City.[citation needed] His more 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 MTA New York subway maps. He continues to exhibit worldwide and produce work with and alongside artists such asBanksy.[citation needed]
In 2009, the Seen Gallery opened inParis before becoming the Seen Studios,[3] France.
He has focused on painting comic book heroes.[1] He has his own clothing line that prints t-shirts with his lettering and comic hero renderings.[1]
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