We've featured many artists in Lowrider Arte Magazine, but none so lucky as to own their own art gallery. Man One not only leads his field with his artistic capabilities, but he's also as an entrepreneur who happens to own a hot spot which does more than just give back to the community.
Man One's facility is one of only a handful of projects which are helping shed a new light on downtown Los Angeles, California. He's had more than 14+ years as a professional artist and muralist, and his work spans all across the globe and covers everything and anything from corporate commissions, community projects, exhibitions, videos, motion pictures, music festivals, fashion events and more.
Man One's been Involved with the Graffiti Art movement since 1987 and his journey is one which is both bold and colorful, just like his artistic aerosol strokes. As he continued to explore his talent and define his own unique statement and style, a college art professor recognized Man One's strong talents and encouraged him to move forward on his career. After completing his B.A. degree in Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount, his newly inspired passion began to change the way that the world interpreted graffiti and urban art. Man One set out to make a name for himself and strengthen the real meaning behind the art movement.
It only took the first few commissioned murals to allow Man One to realize that his art could transcend beyond the streets and into the world of commerce. His bright and colorful murals made their way into the underground urban art movement pioneering the evolution of graffiti as an art form, not a negative statement of culture. Today, his artwork reaches international proportions, having been featured in venues throughout the world. To date, his artwork has been showcased in more than 80 exhibitions domestically and internationally, including eight one-person shows, and he's been displayed at several museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
Commercially, Man One's commissions include murals, designs and concepts for such mainstream corporate clients as MTV, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Electronic Arts for PlayStation 2, AT&T, Vans, Travel + Leisure Magazine, Perry Ellis, CaliforniaMart and Sony, as well as scenic visuals for feature films and music videos.
"The fact that I make my living doing 'graff' astonishes many people, including myself," comments Man One. "But most don't understand what it takes to be a professional artist. I may be on the street producing a 'free' mural or piece with my friends, then go home and sketch an illustration for some corporate gig, then work late into the night on a canvas or some other personal piece."
Man One's personal and artistic platform acts as a voice for the youth experience to break down social barriers that portray young people as the enemy. His artwork has served as a valuable tool spreading knowledge and acceptance of youth culture on a universal scale. Man One's intentions are to validate the thoughts and expressions of our youth and their culture as he helps empower their visions and talents. Furthermore, assisting them in emerging as leaders who will bring about positive change to the world. Coca Cola's "Art of Harmony" program provides a stage for Man One to help instill pride in high schools art students across America with an art competition and collaborative project.
"Art keeps me alive and it helps me communicate globally about certain issues with massive amounts of people," says Man One. "Graffiti art is a legitimate expression in color, style and purpose. I find inspiration often when I can help the youth of America find a purpose in lieu of their damaging environments." Youth programs domestically and internationally have included Man One's talents over the last six years to redirect those "at risk" children to lead more productive, meaningful lives.