Phase 2 graffiti biography

Phase 2, born Lonny Wood in 1958, is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the history of graffiti art, particularly known for his innovative approach to graffiti lettering in the 1970s. Emerging from the Bronx, Phase 2 helped redefine the art form, contributing to the development of what would later be recognized as modern street art. His work not only influenced the visual culture of New York City but also left an indelible mark on graffiti as a whole. Phase 2 was pivotal in transforming graffiti from a rebellious urban phenomenon to a complex form of artistic expression, known for its distinctive styles and deep cultural resonance.

Phase 2 grew up in the South Bronx, a neighborhood that would later become the epicenter of the hip-hop and graffiti movements in the 1970s. The Bronx, in particular, was experiencing socioeconomic decline, which many artists, including Phase 2, used as a canvas for self-expression and social commentary.

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Remembering Phase 2 Through His Final Writings

Phase 2 (Michael Lawrence Marrow) was an early innovator of the Aerosol Art movement, as well as a prominent writer in 1970’s subway writing era and impresario of hip hop culture including breaking. He was known for creating bubble letter writing and creative letter writing that eventually became profound works of art on subway cars, canvases and as sculptor.  Phase 2 was a member of United Graffiti Artists (UGA) with other big names like slang för mikrofon 171, SJK 171, J.E.C *, and Henry 161. If that wasn’t enough excitement, Phase 2 was also there in the Bronx at the dawn of hip hop culture. He brought his own ideas to “breaking,” held his own on microphone and designed some of hip hop culture’s earliest promotional flyers.

Sadly, Phase 2 passed away in 2019.  Prior to his passing from illness he wrote the spoken word book Prafodivi. The book was a collection of poems touching on his life story and experiences, as well

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Phase 2 (artist)

American graffiti artist (1955–2019)

This article is about the graffiti artist. For other uses, see Phase II (disambiguation).

Phase 2
PHASE 2 in 1999
Born	Michael Lawrence Marrow (1955-08-02)August 2, 1955 New York City, U.S.
Died	December 12, 2019(2019-12-12) (aged 64) New York City, U.S.

Michael Lawrence Marrow (August 2, 1955 – December 12, 2019),^[1] known as PHASE 2 and Lonny Wood, was an American aerosol paint artist based in New York City. Mostly active in the 1970s, Phase 2 is generally credited with originating the "bubble letter" style of aerosol writing, also known as "softies".

Early life

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Born to the late John Thomas Marrow and Adele Crichlow Marrow. He was a native of The Bronx, New York City, and attended DeWitt Clinton High School. Many famous graffiti writers of the early 1970s would meet at a doughnut shop across from the school before heading down to the 149th Street–Grand Concourse