Giz

GIZ MTA

NEW YORK / UNITED STATES

GIZ, born in 1977 in New York City, is a distinguished name in the realm of graffiti art, celebrated for his vibrant and transformative work that bridges the gritty urban landscapes of NYC with the polished echelons of the gallery scene. Beginning his artistic journey at the tender age of 10 in 1988, GIZ rapidly became synonymous with the energetic and rebellious spirit of street art. His early ventures into graffiti were marked by an audacious campaign of “bombing” clean NYC subway trains, embedding his mark on the city’s moving canvases. In the early ’90s, GIZ initiated the ‘MTA’ (Most Talked About) street-bombing campaign, which saw his and his crew’s work spread across the five boroughs of New York City. This period of intense creative output solidified his reputation and laid the foundations for his evolution as an artist.

The leap to gallery exhibitions in 1998 marked a pivotal transition for GIZ, from the clandestine world of street graffiti to the scrutinizing gaze of the art world. Despite the inherent risks of exposing his identity, GIZ navigated this new domain with finesse, utilizing his skills in woodworking to produce intricately cut wooden pieces that echoed his graffiti letters, thereby maintaining a tangible connection to his street art origins. Over time, GIZ’s repertoire expanded to include paintings on canvas, works on wood, and handmade wooden sculptures, showcasing his versatility and deepening engagement with different mediums.

His work was not only featured in multiple gallery shows across New York City but also gained international recognition with exhibitions in London, Amsterdam, and Paris, among other European cities. His influence and unique style have been highlighted in prestigious publications like The New York Times Art section, Village Voice, and Source Magazine, attesting to his significant impact on the art world.