Once upon a time in the urban jungle of Dallas, Texas, a young artist named Michael Reeder emerged, wielding a spray can like a weapon of mass creation. Fusing graffiti, realism, and urban contemporary art with the precision of a street-savvy alchemist, Reeder's art strikes a chord deep within our collective consciousness. From tagging trains to dropping mind-bending NFTs, Reeder's work fearlessly tackles life's existential questions, making it the perfect fit for The Inevitable.
Goliath by Michael Reeder; owned by 0x8780…F7f089.
Reeder's love for art began with a spray can and a train. Early in his career, he explored the world of graffiti, with its vibrant colors and raw energy. However, Reeder wasn't content with just one style. He went on to study fine art and illustration, forming the eclectic style we know and love today. It's like a Frankenstein's monster of creativity, except way cooler and less likely to incite a pitchfork-wielding mob.
Reeder's work is a vivid mashup of color, geometric patterns, and realism that confronts the viewer with the inescapable truth of our own mortality. Skulls, a recurring motif in his work, serve as a symbol of the great equalizer – death. By stripping away gender and race, Reeder reminds us that beneath our unique exteriors, we're all just walking, talking skeletons waiting for our turn to shuffle off this mortal coil. But Reeder's work isn't all doom and gloom; it's a visually stunning exploration of the human experience.
Holy Smokes by Michael Reeder; limited edition of 20.
Now, you may be wondering, how did this spray-painting prodigy make the leap from traditional art to the pixelated realm of NFTs? It all started with an invitation to participate in the first ever physical NFT art gallery show at the ABV Gallery in Atlanta in early 2021. Reeder created his first NFT, "Holy Smokes," for that exhibition, and the rest, as they say, is history. Or perhaps more accurately, the future.
NFTs offered Reeder a way to connect with a wider audience and break through the stuffy, velvet-rope gatekeeping of the traditional art world. In this brave new world of digital art, collectors from around the globe can snag a piece of Reeder's work without having to navigate the labyrinthine process of acquiring physical art -- or finding the wall space to hang it! He found it a win-win situation for artists and collectors alike.
Cyber Bandit #673 by Michael Reeder; owned by The Giant Collection.
Reeder's NFTs are an extension of his artistic vision, incorporating his signature style and themes of life and death. His Cyber Bandits project, for example, showcases the seamless transition from physical to digital art, as his clipped-out collage style translates perfectly into the NFT realm. The project features 5,000 uniquely generated digital characters, each a testament to Reeder's mastery of combining different artistic elements.
As the NFT market continues to evolve, Reeder envisions a future where the community aspect of web3 plays a significant role in shaping the art world. He believes that the direct connection between artists and their audience, facilitated by platforms like Discord, the home of Reeder Realm, is crucial for nurturing the next generation of creatives. He also continues to explore the NFT space by blending it with the physical world. For example, if you have a Print Pass from the Cyber Bandits project, you can claim a unique 24"x 24", signed, and numbered digital archival print made of your chosen Cyber Bandit from your collection.
Last Days Here by Michael Reeder; oil, acrylic and spray paint on multi layered panel.
When asked about his creative process, Reeder reveals that he starts with the materials and surface, letting the subject emerge organically from there. His artistic journey, rooted in graffiti and urban contemporary art, has led him to explore various mediums and techniques. This willingness to experiment and adapt has been instrumental in his successful foray into the world of NFTs.
TIME CAPSULE by Michael Reeder, and produced by Print Them All; 8-color screenprint with phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark ink, hand cut.
For aspiring artists looking to dip their toes into the NFT pool, Reeder has some sage advice. He encourages newcomers to find genuine connections within the space and to prioritize building a community of like-minded individuals. According to Reeder, fostering these relationships can prove invaluable in navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital art.
There’s some major VIP gatekeeping in the traditional gallery world, especially at the blue-chip level, and many new collectors don’t even know how to gain the opportunity to purchase a physical work of art from one of their favorite artists. There's just too many hoops to jump through. The NFT space has managed to open things up to collectors all over the world.- Michael Reeder
As we contemplate our own fleeting existence in this vast universe, we can take solace in the fact that artists like Michael Reeder are here to remind us that even in the face of the Inevitable, there's still room for a little irreverence and eye-popping color.
Cyber Bandit #2362 by Michael Reeder; owned by DjjD.
So, as you wander through our exhibition titled "The Inevitable: Life, Death, and the After," let Reeder's vibrant artistry transport you to a world where mortality and creativity collide in a kaleidoscope of color and emotion. And remember, beneath it all, we're all just skulls waiting for our moment to shine.
The ArtDrop: Wisdom Keeper
"Wisdom Keeper" is a striking piece by Michael Reeder that perfectly encapsulates his signature blend of urban contemporary art and bold symbolism. Originally sketched for a solo show in NYC, the piece took on a new life in the digital realm. At its core, "Wisdom Keeper" is a beat-up vinyl album cover for a fictional band of the same name, its roughed-up patina symbolizing the passage of time and the intertwining of life and death.
The central image features a mesmerizing fusion of a human face and a graphic skull, a poignant reminder of our fleeting existence and shared mortality. Reeder's expert use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns draws the viewer in, inviting them to contemplate the weighty themes at play.
In a nod to his Cyber Bandits NFT project, "Wisdom Keeper" incorporates the same proportions and shapes. Through this visually stunning piece, Reeder not only pays homage to his roots in graffiti and street art but also showcases his ability to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing landscape of digital art. "Wisdom Keeper" stands as a testament to the artist's mastery of his craft and his ongoing exploration of the human condition, Life, Death, and the After.
