Graffiti

The legendary artist Chris “DAZE” Ellis is currently at work on newly commissioned artworks at 550 Madison Avenue on the corner of 55th Street. The following interview with him was conducted by Street Art NYC contributor Ana Candelaria.

How did this wonderful opportunity come your way? And why this location?

This project came about through my ongoing relationship with the Museum of the City of New York. I was informed that there might be an opportunity to activate this huge space in Midtown Manhattan. And so, I didn’t choose the location; the location chose me.

What was your vision for this project? And how did it evolve?

We began with an offsite meeting, where we saw firsthand what the space would look like. We tossed
around ideas, and I thought that whatever composition I come up with should be bright
and colorful — not dark and somber. It should, somehow, really lighten up the space. I started
thinking about color first and then composition.

Then I started thinking about this building which is really iconic. The chief architect is Philip Johnson, and I thought,”Okay, my work is very New York-based. I work in New York everyday, and I draw inspiration from my daily commute.”

I wanted to come up with something that is easily recognizable as very New York, but — at the same time — something related to the natural world, as the site’s atrium is so beautiful.

Were there any particular challenges that you faced in seeing your vision through?

Not really. Once I came up with an idea for this particular space, there weren’t any challenges.

Your artwork at this site is still in progress. How has the response been so far?

The response so far has been 100 percent positive. And, most importantly, we’ve gotten great respect
from people who are just walking by in the street. Those people come from all walks of life. There are lots of tourists in this area, as well as people who pass by on their way to work. This area has a great mix of people.

Interview conducted by Ana Candelaria

Photo credits: 1 Brad Farwell, 2-4 Ana Candelaria

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