Early Career: Bronx Roots and Subway Evolution
editBorn and raised in the Bronx, New York City, Duster began his journey as a witness to the unfolding story of street art. Growing up in close proximity to the iconic 6 train, he observed the change of graffiti moving from single tags to complex whole cars and top-to-bottom masterpieces that define the contemporary scene.
Duster, a long with partner Seen, is known for pioneering the wild style technique now ubiquitous with subway graffiti. Along with Seen, the duo made a name for themselves calling their crew the ‘United Artists’. The duo was featured in PBS's graffiti documentary, “Style Wars ”, which documents graffiti artists becoming accepted as fine artists for the first time.
This period marked his initial encounters with influential photographers Henry Chalfant and Martha Cooper[1], setting the stage for his artistic exploration.
Evolution of Career
editDuster's artistic narrative took a significant turn after he was featured in the documentary, Style Wars. Soon after he forged a connection with Dolores Newman, an esteemed Art Dealer and Board member at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This collaboration placed him deeper into the heart of the art world.
In 1985, he followed the call to the West Coast, spending a year in Los Angeles before returning back to New York City. This pattern continued until 1988, when he left for California for the next two decades. During this hiatus from the graffiti world, he explored a new realm of artistic expression – body piercing and tattooing. before finally returning to NYC in 2012.
Style and Influence: Return Home and Online Gallery
editBack in the Bronx, Duster reignited the flame of creativity, seamlessly connecting his past to. his present. His unique style and influential approach set him apart in the urban art scene. Today, his studio work takes center stage, showcased on WildStyleArtwork.com an online gallery that reflects the evolution of his artistic expression.
Present Day: Legacy in the Art World
editDuster stands as a trailblazer in the world of subway graffiti, marking his legacy by being one of the first to witness his artwork sold at auction at Christie's. Renowned for crafting some of the most historic "wholecar"[2] pieces on the New York City subways, his impact on the street art scene is immortalized in the pages of the 'graffiti art bible': Subway Art.[1] Presently, he continues to leave an unforgettable mark on the ever-evolving canvas of urban expression.
References
editBooks:
- Chalfant, Henry, and James Prigoff. Spraycan Art. London, UK: Thames and Hudson, 1987.[3]
- Cooper, Martha and Henry Chalfant. Subway Art. London, UK: Thames and Hudson, 1984[4]
- Cavalieri, Paul. From the Platform: Subway Graffiti, 1983-1989. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2011.[5]
- Gopnik, Kirk and Adam Varnedoe. “High and Low: Modern Art and Popular Culture”. New York, NY: Museum of Modern Art, 1990.[6]
Interviews:
- Killa Kela Podcast: #358: Duster UA, photos included[7]
- London Miles Interview[8]
- London Miles Article[9]
- ^ Jump up to:a b
- ^ "2 Whole Cars in Straight Letters and Wild Style by Duster Lizzie, Bronx, NY by Martha Cooper | West Chelsea Contemporary". wcc.art. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
- ^ a b Cooper, Martha (1984). Subway Art. London, UK: Thames and Hudson.
- ^ "2 Whole Cars in Straight Letters and Wild Style by Duster Lizzie, Bronx, NY by Martha Cooper | West Chelsea Contemporary". wcc.art. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
- ^ Chalfant, Henry; Prigoff, James. Spraycan Art.
- ^ Chalfant, Henry; Cooper, Martha. Subway Art.
- ^ Cavalieri, Paul. From the Platform: Subway Graffiti, 1983-1989.
- ^ Gopnik, Adam; Varnedoe, Adam. High and Low: Modern Art and Popular Culture.
- ^ "Duster UA (NYC Graffiti Writer)". Apple Podcasts.
- ^ ClothingTV, Addict. "Duster UA Interview".
- ^ Miles, London (2010-11-18). "LONDON MILES: DUSTER UA comes to London for a one day seminar at London Miles Gallery". LONDON MILES. Retrieved 2024-01-24.