Soho contemporary art gallery, Woodbury House, are excited to announce that they have partnered with New York graffiti artist Chris ‘Daze’ Ellis for an exclusive pop up exhibition entitled ‘The Journey’. This exhibition will feature a selection of work, including iconic pieces dating back to the 1980’s when the street art movement began, as well as brand new, never before seen pieces.

Daze is a pioneer of New York’s graffiti scene of the 1980s. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries internationally, alongside contemporaries such as Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Richard Hambleton. Daze’s new exhibition is inspired by his thoughts on the current state of world affairs and the mundane, yet chaotic climate of his urban surroundings.

The pop up will showcase a number of works, including a tunnel series which Daze has used as a metaphor for the current difficult political climate. Though a dark colour pallet is used, there is always the portrayal of light at the end of the tunnel, which can be seen as a symbol of hope. The tunnels also have a particular resonance for Daze as the subway provided him with incredible creative possibilities, becoming his studio before he was able to work in a space of his own.

Other paintings included in the exhibition capture the urban climate of the city. In Daze’s paintings he has created a context where people can disappear into the crowds and traffic, or choose to stand out and define their individuality. It is within this dynamic that Daze finds his inspiration.