Draft:Mukes

Mukes (Graffiti Artist)

Mukes is an internationally recognized contemporary graffiti artist known for his bold, large-scale street art in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Mexico and beyond. He rose to prominence for daring, high-risk installations that challenge the limits of public art—most notably his headline-making takeover of the Vitas Building during Art Basel 2023 in Miami, Florida. Mukes and fellow artist ZWON and RAMS are seen on drone footage scaling the side of the building, demonstrating their fearless commitment to transforming urban architecture into monumental canvases.

Early Career Mukes began his graffiti journey as a teenager, inspired by the raw energy of the Los Angeles Graffiti scene. Starting with small tags and throw-ups, he gradually developed his signature style of large-format works that combine bold lettering with commentary on urban life and public space.

Artistic Style and Approach Known for his daring approach, Mukes often targets hard-to-reach spots like rooftops, billboards, and high-rise buildings. His work blends aggressive, raw lettering with intentional placement, using the city itself as part of the message. Mukes frequently collaborates with other graffiti writers, including REDS and ZWON, to execute ambitious, high-visibility projects that push creative and physical boundaries.

Notable Projects In December 2023, Mukes carried out one of their most daring feats on the abandoned Vitas Healthcare building in downtown Miami. Using rappelling techniques, they scaled the exterior to cover it with massive, colorful graffiti. This action was part of a larger "graffiti bombing" effort where artists from around the world transformed the building into a full-scale urban art installation over the course of several days.

In April 2024, graffiti artists Mukes and REDS collaborated on a striking mural in Miami. Their work involved scaling the side of a building to create the piece, an endeavor captured in a drone video titled "Graffiti Artists Climbing the Side of a Building - MUKES and REDS in Miami - Full Drone Footage." This footage showcases the artists suspended mid-air as they paint, highlighting the daring nature of their project.

The mural, located in Miami's Wynwood district, exemplifies the area's vibrant street art culture. Wynwood is renowned for its colorful murals and has become a hub for artists worldwide, especially during events like Art Basel.

Captured by drone footage and reported on by platforms like Spraydaily.com, WLRN, and Reddit, the project gained viral attention for its scale and audacity. The Vitas Building, much like New York’s 5Pointz, became a short-lived but powerful symbol of artistic rebellion, public expression, and the impact of graffiti on the urban environment before its scheduled demolition.

International Reach Though rooted in the United States with works in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Salt Lake City, and Houston, Mukes has expanded his reach internationally with projects in Mexico, Taiwan, and Argentina, solidifying his status as a globally recognized street artist.

Public Image and Philosophy Mukes maintains a low public profile, a common practice among graffiti artists operating outside legal frameworks. Despite his anonymity, his work makes bold statements about freedom, rebellion, and street culture. To Mukes, graffiti is more than just art—it’s a way to claim space and amplify untold stories on the walls and surfaces of the public world.

Legacy and Recognition Mukes continues to inspire a new generation of street artists, encouraging them to go bigger, think bolder, and create fearlessly. His high-profile works and global influence have earned him a place as one of the leading figures in contemporary graffiti culture.

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXB0_81yq18&t=2s https://www.spraydaily.com/recap-of-vitas-healthcare-building-in-miami-art-basel-2023/