550 Madison’s south retail space on the corner of 55th Street and Madison Avenue
The Olayan Group and The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) have collaborated on a new exhibition, Above Ground Midtown: MCNY x DAZE, featuring two newly commissioned artworks by acclaimed artist Chris “DAZE” Ellis.
Presented in conjunction with Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection, currently on view at MCNY, this project extends the celebration of graffiti art into East Midtown. Drawing inspiration from MCNY’s groundbreaking exhibition, which traces the evolution of graffiti from its 1970s roots to its recognition in galleries and museums worldwide, DAZE created two large-scale paintings on-site, inspired by both 550 Madison and its adjacent public garden, in the building’s extraordinary 55th Street retail space, which features 60-foot ceilings and windows on three sides. The exhibit is on view through summer.
DAZE, a New York City native, began his career painting subway cars in 1976 while attending the High School of Art and Design. He remains one of the few artists from that era to successfully transition from the streets to the studio and is represented by New York City’s P·P·O·W Gallery.
