CEY ADAMS

Cey Adams, a New York City native, emerged from the downtown graffiti movement to exhibit alongside fellow artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. He appeared in the historic 1982 PBS documentary Style Wars which tracks subway graffiti in New York. As Creative Director of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons’ Def Jam Recordings, he co-founded the Drawing Board, the label’s in-house visual design firm, where he created visual identities, album covers, logos, and advertising campaigns for Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Maroon 5, and Jay-Z. He exhibits, lectures and teaches art workshops at institutions including: MoMA, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of the City of New York, New York University, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Walker Art Center, MoCA Los Angeles, Pratt Institute, Stamford University, Howard University, Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, High Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Mount Royal University and The University of Winnipeg in Canada. He co-authored DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop, published by Harper-Collins; and designed Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label, published by Rizzoli.

Cey’s work explores the relationship between transformation and discovery. His practice involves dismantling various imagery and paper elements to build multiple layers of color, texture, shadow, and light. Cey draws inspiration from 60’s pop art, sign painting, comic books, and popular culture. His work focuses on themes including pop culture, race and gender relations, cultural and community issues.

Underground Mural Project, Boston MA - 2017

During the week of September 4th - 9th, Street Theory Gallery, Underground at Ink Block and House of Roulx unite to bring together local and internationally renowned artists for an inspiring week of street art, panel discussions, exhibits, and celebrations. 

The 2017 Underground Mural Project will transform over 100,000 sq. ft. of walls at the Underground Ink park-- from a previously underutilized space between Boston's South End and South Boston neighborhoods into a unique urban park and visual playground. Stay tuned on Instagram for artist announcements and events through the week. Park officially opens on Saturday, September 9th, 2017.