About
Self-taught street artist and muralist best known for creating large-scale public murals, gallery work, and community art. He is known for his signature motif of a human figure wearing a bird mask which is often called the Bird City Saint and serves as a symbol of hope and freedom. His work has been showcased at solo art exhibitions in galleries and venues including Elmhurst Museum and Thinkspace Art Gallery. He has been commissioned for murals at Chicago White Sox Stadium, JBL Audio Water Tower, and the Chicago Public Library. He has also created pieces in partnership with market-leading brands including Apple, FootLocker, Converse, and Mt. Dew.
Before Fame
He began doing graffiti and tagging around the age of 15. After relocating to the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, he studied art & design at Columbia College Chicago before deciding to pursue art fulltime without formal credentials.
Trivia
His murals, commissions, and collaborations have been presented across the nation, including Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix, New York, and Los Angeles. He is also a passionate philanthropist and has run educational art mentoring programs and created murals for schools, including his childhood alma matter, as a way of inspiring youth and engaging with the community.
Family Life
His real name is Joseph Anthony Perez. He grew up in environments where several members of his family including his father, brother, and uncles, were frequently in and out of prison.
Associated With
Both he and Barry McGee are famous muralists and graffiti artists.
