COPE2 (Bronx, NY, b. 1985)

Cope2 is an American graffiti artist from the Bronx, New York, active since 1985. He was introduced to graffiti culture through his cousin, Chico 80, and began writing during the early years of New York’s modern graffiti movement. In the early 1980s, he formed the crew Kids Destroy, later renamed Kings Destroy, reflecting his growing reputation within the city’s subway and street networks.

Cope2 is best known for his distinctive throw up style, developed through years of illegal street practice and refinement. His work is rooted in the traditions of New York graffiti, characterised by bold outlines, energetic lettering, and direct visual impact. These elements have remained central to his practice as it expanded beyond the street into studio work, exhibitions, and publications.

From the late 1990s onward, Cope2’s work began to enter institutional and commercial contexts. Early paintings were sold through Christie's, and his imagery appeared on album artwork for Boogie Down Productions. In 2002, he contributed artwork to the feature film Bomb the System, including a large scale piece on the Brooklyn Bridge, and appeared in the film’s behind the scenes documentation.

In 2003, his monograph Cope2: True Legend was published, documenting his career and influence within graffiti culture. He has since participated in a wide range of cross disciplinary projects, including collaborations with Converse, Adidas, and Foot Locker, producing footwear, apparel, and related design work.

Cope2 has also collaborated with figures closely associated with the history of street art, including Shepard Fairey and Martha Cooper, producing limited edition prints that reference both graffiti’s origins and its continued evolution. His work has appeared in film, video games, and public space, reflecting the widespread circulation of graffiti aesthetics in contemporary visual culture.

Today, Cope2’s practice spans street work, painting, printmaking, and collaborative projects. His work is widely recognised for maintaining a direct connection to the origins of New York graffiti while operating within global art, fashion, and media contexts.

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