Mear One, born Kalen Ockerman in 1971, is an American street artist, muralist, painter, and graphic designer based in Los Angeles, California. He is often regarded as "The Godfather of Graffiti" due to his pioneering contributions to the street art scene in Los Angeles, and his work has been influential around the world. Mear One began his career in the mid-1980s, painting graffiti on walls, billboards, and freight trains. Over the years, he has evolved as an artist, transitioning from traditional graffiti to creating intricate, thought-provoking murals that often explore social, political, and spiritual themes. One of his most famous murals, "Freedom for Humanity," created in London in 2012, received widespread attention for its controversial content. The mural was criticized for its alleged anti-Semitic imagery, leading to its removal. Mear One defended his work, explaining that it was meant to critique the global elite's control over resources and power, not to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Mear One's artwork has been exhibited in various galleries and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles. Despite facing criticism for some of his works, he has continued to create thought-provoking art, pushing the boundaries of street art and using it as a medium for social commentary.