Doze is one of the latest additions to the Rugged Art project, and we are very excited to present his first rug exclusively at the ICFF 2006, which will arrive hot off the loom from Nepal. Hardly requiring an introduction - he is something of a legend in the graffiti/ hip-hop circles and has won his reputation the hard way since the early 80s, from people who do not give respect easily.

Artists statement:
Doze Green was born and raised in New York City. He is an original member of the infamous Rock Steady Crew; he is a pioneer of hip-hop culture; he’s a Graff Legend – the King of Characters. He is a fusionist – a Symbolist – a figurative painter – an “Artists Artist”. His work defies definition.

Doze Green is a Humanist first, an Artist second. As art critic Anjee Helstrup said “His work is raw, yet refined, emotive, highly symbolic and has a complexity that looks not only to the past and present state of the world, but also alludes to a future that is guided through a convergence that is not limited by conventional religious forms”. Although Doze uses esoteric symbols not easily interpreted to explore the human condition, his use of ‘street symbols’ from his New York upbringing keep him connected to the underground culture and community that he helped to create.

Over the years, Doze Greens painting have progressed from the streets and into galleries. In the same spirit as graffiti they tell the stories of the oppressed which continue to be largely untold. His art career began on the walls and eventually the trains of New York in 1974. By the mid 80’s his work was being exhibited in art spaces such as the OK Harris Gallery, Tony Shafrazi Gallery and the Fun Gallery. Doze Green’s work is in many public and private collections throughout the US, Japan, Europe and Australia.

\\ www.dozegreen.com