Artwork by Daze 48 x 61 cm Digital print on 230gsm archival paper Edition of 30, hand-numbered and signed by the artist 2024
Christopher “Daze” Ellis, born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York, is a pioneering American graffiti artist renowned for his significant contributions to the street art movement. He began his artistic journey in the mid-1970s, painting New York City's subway cars while attending the High School of Art & Design. Choosing the tag "Daze" for its visually appealing letters, he became a prominent figure in the city's burgeoning graffiti scene.
In 1981, Daze participated in the "Beyond Words" group exhibition at the Mudd Club, showcasing alongside artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. His first solo show followed in 1982 at Fashion Moda in the Bronx. Over the years, Daze's work has been exhibited globally, including in cities such as Monte Carlo, Hong Kong, Paris, New York, Beijing, Chicago, and Singapore. His art is featured in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions like The Museum of Modern Art in New York, The Brooklyn Museum, The Museum of the City of New York, The Groninger Museum in the Netherlands, and The Ludwig Museum in Aachen, Germany.
Beyond his studio work, Daze has completed numerous public art projects worldwide, including murals in Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and various U.S. cities.He is also dedicated to arts education, conducting workshops for underprivileged youth in locations such as Seoul, Baton Rouge, and Port-au-Prince.
Daze continues to live and work in New York City, remaining an influential figure in both the street art and contemporary art communities.
