Featured Canadian Graffiti Artist: CASE (Ryan MacKeen) | Where Street Art Meets Fine Art

Welcome back to the www.graffitiisart.com featured artist series! Today, we shine a spotlight on CASE, a preeminent figure in Canadian contemporary urban art whose groundbreaking work bridges the gap between raw graffiti and the fine art gallery. Known globally as CASE MacKeen, Case's transition from an influential Toronto street artist to a celebrated painter has defined a generation of graffiti culture.

Looking to own a piece of his monumental work? Check out the CASE Collection on our product page: Shop CASE's Featured Products.

Artist Name and Origin

The artist widely known by his graffiti pseudonym Case is Ryan MacKeen. Born in Belleville, Ontario, and initially gaining prominence in Toronto, he emerged as a pivotal force during the graffiti renaissance of the 1990s. His tag, "CASE," became an indelible mark on the city's urban landscape, later evolving into his professional signature as he moved into gallery work and eventually relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia (Source: Case MacKeen - BUMP Festival).

History and Style

Case's artistic foundation is rooted in both the streets and academia. A graduate of Sheridan's esteemed Classical Animation program, he seamlessly integrated his rigorous training with his passion for spray paint.

His style is characterized by:

• Medium: He continues to use aerosol spray paint as his primary medium, even on canvas.

• Technique: His painting technique is distinctive, featuring impressionistic dabs, ethereal blurs, and intricate drips of layered color.

• Evolution: While starting with classic graffiti and character design, his focus expanded in the 2000s to include landscapes, cityscapes, and striking portraits, often paying homage to legendary 80s graffiti artists like Seen and Skeme.

His versatility allowed him to work not just in art, but also to direct animated and live-action music videos for prominent artists like Eminem, The Arcade Fire, and Megadeth (Source: Royal Ontario Museum).

Accomplishments and Gallery Presence

Case's impact on legitimizing graffiti art in Canada is significant. Together with contemporaries, he helped secure the acknowledgement and legality of numerous graffiti landmarks in Toronto.

His works have garnered national and international acclaim, having been exhibited at prestigious venues including:

• The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

• The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

• The Armoury Show, New York City

• The Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art, Hollywood

• Various exhibitions across North America and Europe since the late 1990s (Source: Case MacKeen Artist's Biography).

Stay Connected and Shop

Case's career is a testament to the transformative power of street art. His continued innovation, from canvas work to 3D printed sculptures, cements his status as a master artist.

You can explore more of Ryan MacKeen's professional portfolio and exhibition history on his website: https://www.casemackeen.com/

Don't miss the chance to add a limited edition piece from this Canadian icon to your collection:

Case (Ryan MacKeen) is a vital force proving that graffiti collectible artwork belongs on the world stage.