Artwork Description
Detroit Series 16 Original Painting Spray Paint, Acrylic Paint, and Mixed Media on Cradled Wood by Cope2 Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art.
2010 Signed & Titled Original Spray Paint Acrylic Paint Mixed Media Painting on Cradled Wood Panel Ready to Hang Graffiti Artwork Bubble Letter Size 24x24
"I've always wanted to do a show like this. Lately, I have transitioned mostly into mixed media paintings, but I've been doing hardcore graffiti, if you want to call it that, for thirty-plus years. It's what made me Cope2. But I like to change it up and show all my different styles. So, with this show, I can show my evolution of style and how I've progressed. "Versatile" shows where I came from and what I'm doing now," Cope2 said from his studio in New York. -Cope2
Cope2's Detroit Series 16: An Emblem of Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork
Cope2, a name synonymous with the gritty vibrancy of street pop art and graffiti artwork, presents us with "Detroit Series 16", which encapsulates the essence of urban expression. This 2010 original painting is a vivid example of the fusion of spray paint, acrylic paint, and mixed media on cradled wood. At a sizeable 24x24 inches, this ready-to-hang piece is an authentic Cope2 creation, complete with his iconic bubble letters that burst with the energy and spontaneity characteristic of his work. This particular piece of the Detroit Series is a rich tapestry of color, texture, and form. Using cradled wood as a substrate represents a departure from the temporary walls and subway cars that traditionally serve as canvases for graffiti artists. Cope2's choice of material marks a conscious step towards the permanence and longevity of his art, aligning with his desire to evolve and adapt over his thirty-plus years of creating. By employing a mixed media approach, Cope2 bridges the gap between graffiti's raw, street-level artistry and the refined, deliberate nature of studio-created works.
The Evolution of Style in Cope2's Work
The journey that Cope2 describes in his transition to mixed media paintings is evident in "Detroit Series 16". The artwork serves as a visual narrative of his stylistic evolution, revealing the layers of growth and change that define his career. In his own words, the versatility of his art showcases the breadth of his experience, from the unbridled expressions of 'hardcore graffiti' to the complex, multidimensional pieces he crafts today. The piece tells the story of an artist who is not content with the status quo, continuously pushing the boundaries of his medium to explore new techniques and concepts. The essence of street art, emphasizing accessibility and community engagement, is preserved in this work, even as it embraces elements of pop art's focus on mass media and popular culture. Cope2's work, mainly "Detroit Series 16", is a testament to the transformative power of art to convey personal journeys and societal narratives. It is a visual representation of the artist's belief in change, the potential of graffiti to evolve, and his ability to reflect these shifts through his art.
Impact and Legacy of Cope2's Detroit Series
The impact of "Detroit Series 16" extends beyond the visual appeal of its vibrant colors and intricate forms. It represents a moment in time within the broader narrative of street art's assimilation into the fine art world. Cope2's work, with its signature aesthetic and commitment to graffiti's core values, has played a pivotal role in redefining the perceptions of street-inspired art. The series, particularly this piece, exemplifies the fluid nature of contemporary art, where genres intersect and new forms emerge. As street art continues to gain recognition and respect within the art community, works like "Detroit Series 16" stand as milestones along this path of cultural acceptance. They are reminders of the roots of this art form in the uncommissioned, often unsanctioned expressions found in urban environments worldwide. Yet, they also signify the possibility of transcendence, of art that can rise from the streets to hang on the walls of collectors and enthusiasts who value the authenticity and raw power that graffiti embodies. In assessing Cope2's "Detroit Series 16" legacy, one cannot help but recognize the artist's influence on the trajectory of street pop art and graffiti artwork. His ability to navigate the transition from street to studio without losing the essence of graffiti's spirit is remarkable. The series offers a visual testimony to Cope2's enduring relevance in the art world, highlighting his role not just as an artist but as a chronicler of street art's dynamic and ever-evolving language. Through his creations, Cope2 continues contributing to the dialogue around what constitutes art, who can create it, and where it deserves to be seen.
