Above Ground Midtown

The Olayan Group and The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) have collaborated on a new exhibition that features two newly commissioned artworks by acclaimed artist Chris "DAZE" Ellis to be created and shown in the extraordinary retail space at 550 Madison Avenue, New York, New York. 

Presented in conjunction with Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection, currently on view at the Museum, this project—Above Ground Midtown: MCNY x DAZE—extends the celebration of graffiti art into East Midtown. Drawing inspiration from MCNY’s groundbreaking exhibition, which traces the evolution of graffiti from its 1970s roots to its recognition in galleries and museums worldwide, DAZE has created two large-scale paintings that evoke the beautiful chaos of New York City, inspired by both 550 Madison and its adjacent public garden.

DAZE, a New York City native, began his career painting subway cars in 1976 while attending the High School of Art and Design. He remains one of the few artists from that era to successfully transition from the streets to the studio and is represented by New York City’s P·P·O·W Gallery.