Seen aka Richard ‘Richie’ Mirando was born in 1961 in the Bronx, New York is one of the most known graffiti artists in the world. He is often referred to as the Godfather of graffiti. Seen first started to paint on the New York subway trains in 1973 aged just 12. In the 80’s New York there were more paintings on the streets by Seen than billboards. Instead of just tagging Seen and his crew United Artists or UA painted whole cars. His work travelled through the city and become part of its cultural fabric. After featuring in the 1983 documentary ‘Style Wars’ and in Martha Cooper/Henry Chalfant’s book ‘Subway Art’ in 1984 his work circumnavigated the globe inspiring countless other artists; many still active today. Around this time Seen started to produce canvas work exhibiting along Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. A genre that began as a form of subversive public communication was becoming legitimate and Seen was at the forefront. In the late 80’s he also turned his talent into tattooing opening ‘Tattoo Seen’ which quickly became one of the most successful tattoo studios in New York.
The opening of his exhibition was attended by well known names in the street art/graffiti scene in London including: Stik, Jimmy C, Tizer, Tworise and Dscreet to name a few. For this body of work Seen revisited his childhood and produced large canvases featuring superheroes using stencils and spray paint. In his own words: ‘All these characters are part of my life; I consider them my friends.’
The exhibition runs until the 4th of July at Opera Gallery at 134 New Bond Street, London, W1S 2TF.
Article and pictures by monoprixx for Street Art News.
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