'Signs' of the Times in Denver

March 12, 2009 at 1:06 PM | by cmb | Comment (1)

Denver isn�t usually thought of as a hip-hop or street art Mecca but Dan �Dunn� Ericson is working to change that. Dunn, also known as Signtologist (coined by MC Black of The Roots> aka Jimmy Fallon's new house band), creates unique paintings of iconic figures in hip-hop, like Kanye West, John Legend, Blackalicious, and Slick Rick, on street signs in Denver.

All of his signs are donated by the Englewood Public Works and are redistributed by Dunn after he has added his signature touch to them.

Even though Dunn�s medium is different, his message is largely the same as most artists, one of dissidence and hope. One of his most notable pieces is a bullet-sprayed portrait of Biggie Smalls. The bullet holes are a meant to be a reminder of the violence surrounding the rapper's death, Ericson said, adding that the stop sign might as well read "Stop the violence."

Dunn is hoping his work will strengthen the hip-hop community in Denver. So far the community has embraced Dunn and he wants them to know, he is there to stay, "the feedback and response I've gotten has been amazing, and I'm always looking for a challenge," Ericson said. "I don't want people to think I'm one-dimensional or a one-hit wonder."

Related Stories:
· Signtologist Shows Love to Colorado Hip-Hop Artists [Denver Westworld]
· Signtologist [MySpace]

[Photo: ArtSlant]

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