NEW YORK

SONIC BAD

Sonic , whose real name is Jesse Rodriguez, was born in 1961 and grew up in New York. He emerged at the heart of the creative explosion of the 1970s, a pivotal period during which graffiti exploded throughout the city.

At that time, most writers focused their practice on pure lettering. Sonic, however, chose to expand the visual vocabulary of graffiti. To his dynamic and colorful letters, he added human figures and characters, introducing a new narrative and expressive dimension to the New York urban landscape. This hybrid approach helped forge a unique and instantly recognizable artistic identity.

His style, fueled by constant experimentation, is based on an ongoing exploration of color, movement, and composition. This prolific creativity has allowed him to establish himself as one of the defining artists of his generation. Although his works were initially conceived for public spaces and thus subject to ephemeral nature, photography has played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating his work, ensuring his art lasting visibility.

Over the years, Sonic has transcended the confines of the street. His creations have found their way into galleries, as well as other spheres such as fashion and the video game industry. His work is now exhibited and distributed internationally, from New York to Amsterdam, via Singapore, Germany, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Belgium, and France.