Spray Can Symphony: Exploring the Legacy of NYC Graffiti with Cose TDS

Immersing visitors in the vibrant tapestry of New York City's graffiti culture, art gallery of Cannavita Dispensary proudly showcased the works of Cose TDS, a true icon of the 1980s Golden Era of Graffiti.

As a renowned graffiti vandal hailing from the streets of New York City, Cose TDS's art embodies the raw energy and rebellious spirit synonymous with the urban landscape of that era. With every stroke of spray paint, Cose TDS transports viewers back to the gritty streets of the 1980s, where graffiti served as both an art form and a form of expression for the disenfranchised youth of the city.

Nestled within art gallery of Cannavita Dispensary's distinctive space—a fusion of an art gallery and a fully legal dispensary—the exhibit offered a unique platform for Cose TDS to showcase his groundbreaking work. Against the backdrop of cannabis products and the aroma of creativity, visitors were treated to a visual feast that celebrated the rich heritage of New York City graffiti. From colorful tags to intricate murals, the exhibit not only highlighted Cose TDS's undeniable talent but also honored the enduring legacy of graffiti art in shaping the cultural landscape of the city.

Artist Q&A with OA

1. When did you start as an artist? Where did you start out?

I actually started exhibiting my artwork in an art gallery called “ One Art space “in which is located in TriBeCa, NYC in 2018, however, I was always an artist but never took it seriously until I began exhibiting my art in Art galleries.

2. What inspired you the most to begin your journey as an artist?

My roots as an artist began as a NYC Transit Vandal aka Graffiti artist back in the early 1980s, even though I was already writing graffiti since 1979 in my neighborhood I started writing on trains when an older kid from my neighborhood took me to the “lay ups”, this is where trains are parked on weekends during off peak hours.

3. Who are some artists you work with or inspire you ?

Like I mentioned before the kid from my neighborhood in which was a few years older than myself that actually went by the graff name “BEO ROC” and was already experienced in Writing and Vandalizing NYC Transit is the one graffiti artist who really inspired me to begin my journey as a NYC Vandal back in the early 1980s.

4. Would you say you have a specific style or theme, if so how would you describe that?

Even though my roots in the art world began as a NYC transit vandal and I actually stopped creating art for many years due to my poor choices as a youth/adult, and as I began to create artwork as a form of therapy due to my choice in 2016 to change my lifestyle and stop using mind-altering substances and regain control of my life. I found that creating art was extremely therapeutic in my life and I believe l found one of my passions, I eventually evolved into a full time artist and call my style “Absract graffiti”.

5. Where can people find your work?

My work can be found on social media on Facebook / Instagram/ TikTok/ Google/ YouTube. l am also part of the “Martin Wong Collection “ in the Museum of New York.

6. What have been some of your most recent exhibitions or shows?

My most recent art exhibitions were at “Cannavita Dispensary “ and at hip hop’s pioneer “Grand Master Caz “Day @Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx.

7. What do you have coming up or that you are currently working on?

I don’t have anything at the moment, however, I am working on doing a solo exhibition sometime this year. I am constantly thinking of new ways and projects that can contribute towards my career in which I have extreme passion for. l am also working on my memoir for the past several years.

8. Where can we follow you or stay in the loop with your updates?

I am pretty much on all social media platforms as COSE _TDS … not hard to find. l am always keeping my followers informed on what I am doing as well as my thoughts on a daily basis.

Be sure to follow COSE TDS on his social platforms and stay tuned for upcoming shows.

@cose_tds

leiaandcose.com

For professional inquiries please contact COSE TDS or Ovono Agency at ovonoagency@gmail.com