CES53 is a graffiti artist from Rotterdam, active since 1985 and considered one of the pioneers of European graffiti in the early 1990s. He became known for his prolific work on trains, notably creating numerous solo whole-car murals , which earned him a reputation comparable to that of the New York "kings." His creativity and productivity quickly set him apart within the movement.

From 1987, he broadened his artistic practice by training in classical oil painting, then continued his studies at the Willem de Kooning Academy of Fine Arts (WDKA) in the 1990s. This academic training allowed him to develop impressionist, expressionist, and conceptual works, while continuing to cultivate his graffiti-based identity. His work is characterized by a wide range of influences: classical art, tribal art, tattooing, pre-Columbian art, and contemporary street art.

CES53 challenges the notion that certain works, such as Subway Art, can serve as a "bible" for new generations. According to him, no book or film can claim to faithfully represent the complete history of graffiti, as every publication reflects subjective choices and a partial view of an era. He particularly criticizes the overexposure of certain artists in mainstream media, to the detriment of other, less publicized, major figures.