Iconic B-Boy Doze Green Unveils New Art Show And What’s On His Playlist
Transitioning from b-boy to fine artist via graffiti, Doze Green contributions to the art world are invaluable.
By Barbara Pavone
A born and bred New Yorker, Doze Green first made a name for himself as a b-boy, becoming one of the original members of the iconic Rock Steady Crew. Around that time, he also started leaving his mark on subway cars across the city in the form of graffiti before eventually turning his talents to canvas and diverse client commissions.
Nowadays, he spends most of his time in California, but has just unveiled his fifth solo show at NYC’s Jonathan Levine Gallery, titled Out of Knowhere, which seemed like the perfect excuse to catch up with Green, talk about his eclectic career and get some playlist suggestions, too.
What first inspired you to start drawing?
Doze Green: What most inspired me growing up were comic books; Marvel comic books and animated cartoons. Also, my mom was an artist and we used to have dual painting sessions.
When did you know it was time to swap b-boying for a paintbrush full-time?
I knew it was time to trade in b-boying when I needed money! So I started to design apparel for surf and skate brands, like Jive, No Fear, Bad Boy Club, etc. I also did the artwork for album covers for rap artists like Ice-T.
As someone who transitioned from graffiti to studio work, do you ever miss the ‘outlaw’ aspect associated with less traditional forms of art, like drawing on subway cars?
Yes, absolutely. I miss it all the time. My initial draw was being able to paint on such a large scale on things that moved throughout the city. It was a lot of fun and I would still do it now… if I could run as fast as I used to.
Was there ever a time when you second-guessed your move from New York to California?
I’ve been bi-coastal for over 20 years. Going back and forth every four or five years, either for work or just to get out of the “rotten apple”. I’ve lived throughout California, but my favorite spot is Northern California; San Francisco was my home for many years. Now, I am farther north where I have a farm, grow my own food and stay off the grid. No regrets. Every decision I’ve made, I’ve stood by it and if I didn’t like it, I would change it. I just go with the flow.
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Let’s talk Out of Knowhere. What was the biggest inspiration behind the pieces you created for the show? I know the various drawings of your friends and mentors are especially meaningful.
Out of Knowhere was inspired by the fact that I live in the middle of nowhere. The mountains of California are a very spiritually based place that has no desire be pretentious. Living there is all about feeling and to feel is to know.
The drawings are all of personal friends of mine, not necessarily titans of hip-hop or street culture, who came a long way and passed away, either through violence or while incarcerated. All of them believed in me, helped me believe in myself and are still in my memory.
The one who was the biggest inspiration is Melle Mel, a.k.a. Grandmaster Melle Mel. When I was at my lowest point — I was homeless, living on the streets — he urged me to continue what I was doing.
Looking at all of the art you created over the past year, if you could only save one piece and the others would have to disappear, which would you keep?
I would save Dustland Memories, which is in Out of Knowhere. The piece represents a personal journey back to when I was 18. From 1977-82, I refer to that time as the Golden Age of Hip-Hop, the Rock Steady years. Hip-hop was new, everything was fresh and we were all in a serious creative flux.
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When people see your work, what do you hope strikes them first?
I hope the colors strike viewers first. Color is very important to me and I still retain that graffiti ethic in my color palette. I love that boom or sensory ignition it can spark. After that, it would be the subject and the narrative that comes from all the symbols.
If you could swap lives with any artist, past or present, for 24 hours, who would you want to be?
Roberto Matta or Salvador Dalí.
We’re on the hunt for three tracks worthy of a legendary b-boy’s music player, what should we download?
‘It’s Just Begun’ by The Jimmy Castor Bunch, ‘Rock Steady’ by Aretha Franklin, and ‘Scorpio’ by Dennis Coffey.
What’s the best thing about being Doze Green?
It ain’t easy being Green, man.
Out of Knowhere will be exhibiting at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery now until December 20.
