Case MacKeen (b.1977-)

Case is a notable Canadian urban artist and director. He was born in Belleville, ON, as Ryan MacKeen. Case’s journey through the Canadian urban art scene is a captivating narrative of evolution and innovation. Starting with his roots in graffiti during the renaissance of the 1990s in Toronto, Case has traversed a remarkable path, expanding his artistic horizons beyond street murals to explore a diverse array of themes and mediums.

The transition from graffiti to more traditional forms of art, such as landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits, demonstrates a profound versatility and adaptability in his craft. What's particularly striking is his ability to infuse his works with a distinctive character through the medium of spray paint, creating pieces that are not only visually captivating but also deeply resonant with the energy and spirit of urban life.

The recognition and acclaim he has received on both national and international stages underscore the significance of his contributions to contemporary urban art. Exhibitions at prestigious venues such as The Royal Ontario Museum and The Art Gallery of Ontario speak to the enduring impact of his work and its ability to captivate audiences across diverse contexts.

Known for his innovative approach to spray paint, Case masterfully intertwines landscapes and portraits, offering a visual melding of traditional methodologies with contemporary motifs. Case's exploration of 3D printed sculptures represents a bold leap into new artistic territory, blending his background in animation and character design with the tangible forms of sculpture. A graduate of Sheridan’s esteemed Classical Animation program, Case seamlessly transitioned his artistic prowess into directing animated and live-action videos for a slew of prominent recording artists.

Case MacKeen's artistic production serves as a testament to the transformative power of urban art and the enduring allure of capturing the essence of contemporary urban existence. Through his works, he continues to inspire audiences with his creativity, vision, and innovation.

EXHIBITIONS

2024 Vancouver BC, Painting For The After-culture, Fingerprint Gallery (Upcoming July 7th) 2022 Toronto ON, The Pandemic, Worth Gallery 2020 Toronto ON, The Protest, Worth Gallery 2020 Toronto ON, Personal Devices, the Run Gallery 2019 Toronto ON, The Parades, Hashtag Gallery 2018 Toronto ON, OMW Home, Ille Gallery 2018 Toronto ON, Hey Y'all, Only One Gallery 2017 Toronto ON, POP Transfer, Hashtag Gallery 2016 Toronto ON, Over The Shoulder, Gallery 50
2015 New York NY, The Armoury Show
2014 New York NY, Cutlog NY, Frieze Week
2013 New York NY, Kilowatt Gallery, Fountain Fair
2013 Toronto ON, Mischief Over, Twist Gallery
2012 Miami FL , Gallery 4, Art Basel
2012 Toronto ON, Best on Show, The Gladstone
2011 Pittsburgh PA, Exile on Dufferin, Gallery 4. 2009 Toronto ON, Shelter, Royal Ontario Museum,
2008 Toronto ON, Marc Ecko Unlimited, Street Art Expo
2008 Toronto ON, House Paint, Luminato
2008 Hollywood CA, Carmichael Gallery, Delirium Tremens
2008 Toronto ON, Manifesto, Well and Good Art space
2007 Toronto ON, Foundations, Whippersnapper Gallery
2007 Toronto ON, Ignite: Arts Forum, Gladstone Hotel Gallery
2005 Pittsburgh PA, Static Free, Space Gallery
2004 Amsterdam, Netherlands, Graffiti World, GO Gallery
2003 Toronto ON, Walsh/Mackeen, Here and Now Gallery
2003 Montreal, Ottawa & Toronto M16-War Child Canada
2003 Toronto ON,HYPE 3, Art Gallery Of Ontario
2002 Toronto ON, HYPE 2, Art Gallery Of Ontario
2001 Chicago IL, Diversity, 13th Floor Gallery
2000 Montreal QC, Out For Fame, Transart Gallery
2000 Toronto ON, Decked, Art Gallery Of Ontario
2000 Toronto ON, Activation, Art System, OCADSU
1999 Toronto ON, Case, James Allan Fine Art Gallery
1998 Toronto ON, Bombs Away, The Low Art Gallery