Chris "Daze" Ellis, an instrumental figure in the evolution of street art, graffiti, and pop art, emerged from the vibrant New York City art scene of the 1970s and 1980s. His work is often viewed through the lens of these genres, reflecting the dynamic cultural and social shifts of the era. His artistic journey began in earnest with tagging subway cars in the Bronx, leading to an artistic career that has spanned over four decades and counting. Graffiti, once considered an act of rebellion or vandalism, has been significantly influenced by Daze's groundbreaking work. He was part of the second wave of graffiti artists, or "writers," in New York City, who began to treat city walls and subway cars as canvases for elaborate, colourful designs and stylized lettering. Daze's unique style incorporated elements of pop art, such as the use of bold, vibrant colors and the incorporation of iconic cultural symbols. His unique blend of styles helped to elevate graffiti from an underground subculture to a recognized and respected form of public art. Daze's work not only encapsulates the edgy, energetic ethos of the era in which it was created, but it also has profound contemporary resonance. He began transitioning from the subway to the gallery in the early 1980s, a transition that was both a personal evolution and a pivotal moment in the perception of graffiti art. His works have since been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Daze has also been a mentor and role model for younger artists, consistently advocating for the recognition and respect of street art within the broader art community. Through his efforts, Daze has played a significant role in shaping the narrative and perception of street art and graffiti, pushing it from the margins of society into the mainstream consciousness. One of the hallmarks of Daze's style is his ability to capture and convey the complexities and contradictions of urban life. His work often depicts bustling cityscapes, diverse characters, and scenes of daily life, illustrating the vibrancy and vitality of the urban environment. This is seen in his large-scale murals, which often depict scenes of urban life in both abstract and realistic ways, a combination that creates a sense of dynamism and immediacy. Chris "Daze" Ellis is an influential figure in the world of pop art, street art, and graffiti. His unique style, along with his commitment to the recognition and respect of graffiti art, have made a lasting impact on these genres. As an artist, mentor, and advocate, Daze has helped to shape the course of street art history, proving that graffiti can be a powerful medium for expression and communication.