From Graffiti To Gallery, REO Rocks Every Outline

It was in the abandoned factories where the graffiti artist known as REO frequently went to ply his aerosol craft, and where he first encountered many of the found objects and elements that now comprise ​“Another Man’s Trash.”

That’s the title of REO’s debut, solo exhibit at Westville’s Keys on Kites Tattoo and Gallery at 869 Whalley Ave.

REO’s graffiti pseudonym was given to him by his cousin and mentor, Seme, who early on recognized REO’s exceptional talent. The acronym stands for Rocking Every Outline.

Within graffiti circles, REO, now 36, is known as the founder and leader of Hi Crew, a respected group of graffiti artists ​“writing” throughout Greater New Haven, parts of Connecticut, and far beyond. Daze, the New York – based international graffiti legend who emerged from the underground decades ago and who recently completed an artist’s residency at Yale, cited Hi Crew’s writing as among the best work he had seen while visiting the Elm City.

After winning a coveted commission through a community balloting process last year, Hi Crew was featured in last year’s Under 91 Project, a series of giant murals painted on the I‑91 underpass walls on Humphrey Street that connect the Jocelyn Square and East Rock neighborhoods.

The Keys on Kites exhibit, a collection of found-object assemblages and several graffiti paintings, is notable on many levels, including the fact that the works were all created within the last six or seven months and represent the artist’s first and only foray into the genre of assemblage art.

“Silas was the first guy I saw doing assemblage … I didn’t even know it was a thing,” said REO, referencing the work and influence of New Haven assemblage sculptor Silas Finch.

Though he has no formal training in assembage art, the design acumen that informs REO’s work as a muralist also presents itself in his facility with the found object.

“It just makes sense to me,” he said of the intuitive approach he takes to bringing a sense of unity to his found-object creations.

Where many graffiti writers began with rudimentary tagging (stylized signatures) or bombing, REO was always drawn to the more complex, illustrative form of graffiti-making called ​“pieces” (short for masterpieces). A day after the interview for this story, REO could be seen with some members of Hi Crew painting the alley walls outside the Keys on Kites building.

“I’ve done my share of of illegal painting,” REO said. ​“This is a way to stay active without breaking the law.” The artist said he has had several encounters with police, but always managed to catch a break when confronted. Shortly after his father’s death, REO said, he went to a cemetery and was painting an R.I.P. homage to his dad on a building wall. Police showed up. After extensive questioning and lecturing, and despite the fact he was doing something illegal, the officer told REO to go back and finish the piece and make it the best painting ever. In another encounter, he was caught in the act during a graffiti session. The officer showed dutiful umbrage, but also showered REO with praise: ​”That’s phenomenal!” REO recalled the officer saying.

With REO’s over 20 years of experience as a graffiti style master and mentor to those who have participated in Hi Crew mural-making, the Keys on Kites exhibit has the look of a retrospective featuring aspects of his traditional graffiti work …

… with transitional pieces that marry both graffiti and assemblage art forms in a pleasing synthesis.

Others harness the zesty qualities of painted graffiti using movement, flow, layering, and the dynamic lines and form that catalyze each composition.

Some pieces make little to no graffiti references, as in the whimsical creations of a centipede and turtle.

The eclectic themes explored in the exhibit include several sci-fi, pop-culture references to Star Wars …

… including REO’s homage to Darth Vader, which lights up, casting interesting shadows as part of the composition.

Gallery owner Eric Mikita, who invited REO to have a solo exhibit a year ago, said it has been the most successful since the gallery’s first show in 2012, both in terms of viewer interest and in the number of pieces that have been sold. 

“The factory stuff has gotten me on a whole new page,” said REO, who like many graffiti masters before him is finding new challenges in moving from the masonry walls of abandoned factories and buildings to the interior walls of galleries and people’s homes.

There will be a closing reception and party in August, with a date to be announced. For more information visit the Keys on Kites website.