Artwork Description
Purchase Detroit Series 25 Original Painting Spray Paint, Acrylic Paint, and Mixed Media on Cradled Wood by Cope2 Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art.
2010 Signed Original Painting Artwork Size 24x16 Tag Graffiti Throw Up Spray Paint Acrylic Mixed Media.
"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
The Detroit Series 25 represents a significant piece in the oeuvre of the renowned street artist Cope2. This original painting, a blend of spray paint, acrylic paint, and mixed media on cradled wood, is a testament to the artist's journey from the streets to the galleries. Crafted in 2010, the artwork measures 24x16 inches. It is a signed piece that encapsulates the essence of Cope2's foundational style and his foray into mixed media, demonstrating his adaptability and breadth as an artist. Cope2 is an artist whose name is often mentioned in discussions about legitimizing graffiti as an art form. His work, notably the Detroit Series 25, is a vibrant reflection of the transition from the urban landscapes that served as his initial canvas to the more conventional backdrops of galleries and museums. With its striking colors and bold, gestural strokes, this piece carries the raw energy of street graffiti into a form embraced by the fine art community.
At the heart of Detroit Series 25 lies the classic graffiti element of the 'throw-up,' a style of graffiti that is quickly executed and characterized by bubbled letters, which, in this case, spell out Cope2's iconic tag. The throw-up is overlaid upon a backdrop of serene blue, with splatters and drips that evoke the sense of urgency and the spontaneous nature of street art. This juxtaposition of the immediate, almost ephemeral gesture of the tag against the permanence of the painted wood panel captures the dual realities of Cope2's world: the fleeting moment of creating art in the urban jungle and the lasting impact of his work in the art historical narrative. Cope2's Detroit Series 25 is an isolated creation and part of a broader conversation about the nature and value of street pop art and graffiti artwork. The early 2000s marked a significant transition for artists like Cope2, who began to navigate the space between the freedom of street art and the structure of gallery exhibitions. This transition is palpable in the way the artist melds the spontaneity of street art with the calculated compositions required for gallery display. The work of Cope2, especially during this period of his career, reflects a broader cultural shift in the perception of graffiti. Once viewed primarily as an act of rebellion or vandalism, graffiti has been recontextualized as a vibrant and legitimate form of artistic expression, capturing the attention of art lovers and critics alike. The Detroit Series 25 is a microcosm of this shift, embodying street art's dynamic and evolving landscape as it gains recognition and prestige. As Cope2 himself expressed, the versatility in his work is crucial. It shows his roots in New York City graffiti tradition and his ability to adapt and grow within the art world. The Detroit Series 25 is a snapshot of this evolution, illustrating the artist's progression from the subways of the Bronx to the hallowed spaces of galleries. It's a piece that tells the story of an artist who has managed to stay true to his roots while embracing the possibilities of new mediums and new audiences. In sum, the Detroit Series 25 is a crucial piece in understanding the trajectory of Cope2 as an artist and the evolution of graffiti art. It stands as a symbol of change, versatility, and the bridging of two worlds that were once at odds: the gritty reality of street art and the refined atmosphere of art galleries. Through works like this, Cope2 not only cements his legacy within the graffiti movement but also challenges the boundaries of what street pop art and graffiti artwork can be.
