Lady Pink is a trailblazing female graffiti artist who transformed the graffiti art movement into a respected form of fine art. Born in Ecuador and raised in New York City, she began painting subway trains in 1979 and quickly became a dominant figure in the hip-hop culture of the era. Her starring role in the iconic film Wild Style and her bold, rebellious style earned her legendary status. Today, Lady Pink’s work is featured in world-class institutions like the Whitney Museum, MoMA, and the MET, and she has collaborated with top fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Supreme, and Lancôme. With over 40 years of experience, Lady Pink continues to create vibrant canvases and inspire future generations through graffiti workshops, art lectures, and global exhibitions.

What is your artist name you like to go by?

Lady Pink

What inspired the piece you’re showing?

My flowers, my garden, and my rebellious years.

How did the concept evolve from your initial idea?

At first it was just meant to be a self-portrait with flowers, I’ve always been a plant person and kept a garden, and this is a piece that I originally thought was fully formed and complete in my head. But the portrait didn’t feel complete without once it was all on the canvas, and I decided a true self portrait needed to display my rebellious background in art as well as the place I am from. 

What was the most challenging part of creating it?

Working on a black background and masking off the plants and flowers for the spray. It was very meticulous both painting the flowers in white first to ensure the colors are applied true and vibrantly and taping them off to avoid getting the white acrylic on them.

What was the most rewarding moment?

Being able to use the spray paint with acrylic brush paint.  In 45 years of painting and having to choose between one or the other I can now combine them on the very same canvas. I’m thrilled beyond measure! 

Did the final piece differ from your original vision?

The original vision never included the white lettering in the background, it was something that we thought of after when the flowers were all on the canvas and we felt it was missing something. 

Are there details in the piece that are particularly meaningful to you?

Some of the flowers I actually grow in my garden. Roses, Columbines, lilies, hibiscus, morning glories, and more. One I don’t grow, the bird of paradise, that’s native to rainforest where I was born. It’s a reference to myself, I’m a tropical flower over here in New York! 

What tools or techniques were essential?

Photoshop and a projector for making sure the tags are right where they should be, spray can control, and brush skills. 

How do you hope people feel when they see it?

Feel? I hope people feel happy when they see my piece. The flowers are eye candy, the tags underneath will disturb some and fascinate others. The hidden words will tauntalize like a riddle that’s unsolvable. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, even graffiti tags have a story behind every stroke.

What did you learn while making it?

I learned that acrylic spray paint works very well with acrylic brush paint. Something I’ve been unable to do with oil based spray paint. It’s either one or the other, I want my work to last for centuries and acrylics will do that.

If someone took away one message from the piece, what would it be?

The message I hope people get is that graffiti tags can be as beautiful as flowers if executed properly with style. The portrait is of me from over 40 years ago. I may have started as a pretty face invited to be down with the big boys going above ground. What I’ve proven is that talent has lasting power, I’m still here.