ABOUT
Cey Adams (American, b. 1962), New York City native and visionary artist, emerged from the downtown graffiti movement in the 80ʼs alongside fellow artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. Adams served as the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings where he “defined the visual culture of Hip-Hop” by creating the visual identities, album covers, logos and advertising campaigns for Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and many more.
He exhibits, lectures, and teaches art workshops at institutions including: The Smithsonian National Museum of African American
History and Culture, MoMA, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of the City of New York, School of Visual Arts, Temple University, MoCA Los Angeles, Stanford University, Howard University, among others. He designed the award-winning Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap (Smithsonian/Folkways), a box set including a 300-page book and 9 CD set; designed Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label (Rizzoli); and co-authored DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop (Harper-Collins).
Adams draws inspiration from 60ʼs pop art, vintage sign painting, and comics, focusing on pop culture,
brand identity, and community issues. He has collaborated with global brands like Leviʼs, Mattel, Apple, and Google.
Departure: 40 Years of Art & Design, Adamsʼ retrospective exhibition, debuted in 2022 is currently touring the US in 2024 and beyond.
AMERiCAN FLAG (HERE AGAiN) 2024
Mixed media collage on panel
46 x 24 x 3 in
In 'American Flag (Here Again),' crafted in 2024, the venerable Cey Adams delivers a potent visual disquisition on the multifaceted American saga. The flag motif, an emblem of the nation, transforms into a palimpsestic tableau, eloquently inscribed with the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped the country's psyche. Adams' astute employment of mixed media is more than a stylistic choice; it is a deliberate historiographical instrument dissecting the fragmented strata (using the physical flag stripes) to portray the juxtaposed construct of American identity (a monumentally conceptual undertaking).
(READ MORE)
JOY 2023
Mixed media collage on heavyweight watercolor paper 12 x 12 in
Cey Adams' "Joy" features his signature vibrant collage with expressive text, notably the bold "JOY" against a fragmented backdrop. Collage elements like currency, a hint of a movie poster, and a dark red leaf pattern contrast with man-made artifacts. Gold leaf symbolizes preciousness, while a fragment of an Argentine banknote suggests global connectivity. Postal stamps symbolize exchange and shared experiences. The metallic gradient of "JOY" against warm tones evokes street art, while layering and text reflect the complexity of joy amidst life's collage.
(READ MORE)
GE X GOODYEAR 2017
Mixed Media on Canvas
36 x 36 in
Cey Adams' collage celebrates American brand iconography, centered on the General Electric (GE) logo. In 1960s pop art style, Adams merges vintage ads and media, echoing vibrant sign painting and comics. Surrounding the GE logo are Americana snippets, anchoring corporate influence in daily life. Adams' layering adds depth, reflecting consumer culture's complexity. The piece amplifies branding's impact, urging acknowledgment of its pervasiveness.
Continuing pop art's conversation, Adams reflects on brands' cultural influence. Within his portfolio, the collage meditates on nostalgia while critiquing contemporary culture. In essence, Adams' GE collage intertwines brand identity with American culture, encapsulating themes of nostalgia and commerce.
(READ MORE)
LOVE (ORANGE) 2023
Mixed media collage on panel 24 x 24 x 3 in The artwork "Love (Orange)" features a dominant word "LOVE" in large, bold lettering, set against a vibrant orange background. This color choice symbolizes joy, warmth, and creativity, enhancing the emotional impact of the piece. The letters are filled with a floral pattern, reminiscent of traditional designs, which contrasts with the modern presentation of the text, suggesting a dialogue between contemporary and traditional views of love. The artwork reflects Cey Adams' interest in urban culture, particularly pop art and graffiti, with its bold, graphic style. This approach aligns with pop art's tendency to reinvent familiar imagery for fresh perspectives.
(READ MORE)
"American Flag (1961)" is a mixed media collage exploring American identity and history. Created on a wood panel, it incorporates layered paper materials from 1961, reflecting societal values. The red stripes feature advertising imagery, while the blue field symbolizes national ideals. Adams prompts viewers to explore the meaning within each element, offering a dimensional view of history.
Compared to Jasper Johns' flags, Adams' work delves into specific cultural references, reflecting on national identity and historical representation.
(READ MORE)
AMERiCAN FLAG (1961) 2024
Mixed media collage on panel
72 x 36 x 4 in
LOVE 2023
Mixed media collage on heavyweight watercolor paper
12 x 12 in
Adams' "Love" is a mixed media collage that blends vintage materials with bold graffiti-style lettering. The piece features old newspapers, ads, and even a stock certificate, hinting at themes of commerce and gender roles. The word "LOVE" stands out prominently, symbolizing unity and human emotion amidst the diverse historical fragments. Through this artwork, Adams prompts viewers to reflect on the interplay between past and present, the evolution of values, and the enduring power of love in our lives.
(READ MORE)
