United States
Biography
Eddie Rodriguez, better known by his tag Snake 1, is a pioneering American contemporary artist and one of the early figures in the history of graffiti art. Born and raised in New York City, Snake 1 began writing graffiti in 1970, placing him among the first generation of artists who helped shape graffiti into a global urban art movement. With over five decades of artistic evolution behind him, Snake 1 continues to live and work in New York, the city that originally inspired his creative journey.
Emerging during the early days of graffiti culture, Snake 1 made his mark on subway trains and city walls at a time when street art was still a raw, rebellious form of expression. His style, deeply rooted in the energy of the streets, has evolved over time to incorporate elements of fine art, calligraphy, and abstraction, while still maintaining the bold, personal voice that defines graffiti as an art form.
Snake 1's work explores themes of identity, visibility, and resistance. His pieces carry the legacy of a generation that turned public spaces into personal canvases and challenged the boundaries between art and illegality, gallery and street. Today, his artistic practice bridges past and present—honoring the roots of New York's graffiti scene while bringing his unique vision to contemporary audiences through exhibitions, collaborations, and urban interventions.
As one of the original names in graffiti history, Snake 1 has earned recognition for his contributions to the global street art movement, influencing generations of artists and helping to elevate graffiti from subculture to celebrated artistic genre. His work has been featured in books, documentaries, museum shows, and urban art festivals, securing his place as a key figure in the evolution of urban contemporary art.
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