Over time Wood's work becomes more complex, moving away from the simple tags of the early 1970s to deconstructed letterforms mixed with “hieroglyphical calligraphic abstraction.”Ĭhang points out that much of Phase's work involved “deconstructing the letter”, transforming characters in the alphabet “into hard lines, third eyes, horns, drills, spikes, Egyptian pharaohs and dogs, pure geometrics.” Another New York aerosol artist, Vulcan, remarked that "one of the things about Phase is that he was the only person at the time whose name could roll by ten times and each piece was different. Hip-hop journalist Jeff Chang has noted that Phase 2's canvasses from 1973 have “been widely recognized as defining the early genre.” Phase himself quickly embellished on his original form, creating and naming dozens of varieties of softies such as “phasemagorical phantastic” (bubble letters with stars), “bubble cloud” and “bubble drip.” He is also credited with pioneering the use of arrows in graf writing around this same time. As Wikipedia notes Phase 2 is also credited with having pioneered the use of arrows in graffiti writing around this same time. His puffed-out, marshmallow-like letters drawn by Phase 2 were soon copied by other artists who added their own variations. In late 1972, Phase 2 first used an early version of the “bubble letter" or “softie” a style of writing which would become extremely influential and is considered a “giant leap” in the art form. As he noted tagging provided disadvantaged urban teens “the only significant vehicle to represent their existence.” Mostly active in the 1970s, Phase 2 is generally credited with originating the “bubble letter” style of aerosol writing, also known as “softies” whilst his influence in the early hip hop scene and its branding remains iconic. PHASE 2 appreciated aerosol writing for it allowed him to get his “name” known, yet remain anonymous. Wood attended DeWitt Clinton High School and he began writing his stories on the surfaces of the city in late 1971. The iconic aerosol paint artist passed away at the age of 64 in December 2019 yet his legacy will not be forgotten.Ī pioneer of the street art as we know it Phase 2 was a legend born in the Bronx. Lonny Wood, also known as Phase 2, will not bring his writings on the walls anymore.
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