Artwork measures 32 x 23 inches (81.3 x 58.4 cm).

TAKI 183 was a pioneering artist of the early New York graffiti scene. “TAKI” is short for Demetraki, a derivation of the artist’s given name, Demetrius; “183” refers to TAKI’s childhood address on 183rd Street in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. As a teenager in the late 1960s and early 1970s, TAKI 183 began tagging across the city while working as a messenger. In 1971, his signature caught the attention of a New York Times reporter, who wrote an article about him entitled “’Taki 183’ Spawns Pen Pals.” Although he never considered himself an artist and gave up tagging when he went to college, TAKI 183 has gained legendary status and his work is largely responsible for inspiring the contemporary street art movement. He currently lives in Yonkers, New York.