Tonight, Eric Haze opens 'NEW ABSTRACTS AND ICONS', a three week exhibition of new works
at the LEVEL 2 Gallery at 812 Broadway (@11th Street), in New York City. If you're around, go check it out. A-Trak and Neil Armstrong will be spinning, and the work is guaranteed fresh.
HAZE's ability to stay ahead and on top of the ever-changing mediums of artistic expression over the last 30 years has allowed the native New Yorker's creative impact to reach far beyond the City subway yards and skate ramps of the '70s. From his early work with Def Jam to starting his own clothing label, HAZE was a predecessor of streetwear, being "big in Japan", and getting down with Stüssy. Through the years, big brands have gained plenty from a HAZE co-sign, but in return the big homie got exposure and renown. Hit the jump for a history of HAZE's work in corporate culture, from early logotypes to decking out Nike Dunks and Lotuses...
HAZE x Def Jam, 1987
HAZE's post-train graphic art made its way onto mad classic album covers. From EPMD to Public Enemy to the Beasties—dude was the hand of '90s hip-hop. To that, we (and you) tip our caps.
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HAZE x Casio, 1999/2005/2008
HAZE's relationship with Casio began in 1999 when the Japanese watchmaker tapped him alongside DJ Spooky and Dog Town to be a part of a US "Artist Series" of G-Shock watches. In 2008, Casio appointed him to handle the design of the company's 25th anniversary logo, as well as the packaging for all watches to be sold in 2008. He also got to design his third G-Shock—the only one to be available worldwide (as opposed to Japan/Europe only releases of the two previous models)—a couple of years back.
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HAZE x Nike, 2002
These much-sought-after sneakers, as well as the box that they came in, were designed by HAZE. The release marked one of the first times people actually cared about packaging.
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HAZE x New Balance, 2004
For New Balance, HAZE put his spin on this 574, and then the brand tried to trick everyone else with a similar make-up that dropped for the general release set. Real heads knew what was up.
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HAZE x Know1edge Swiss Made Watch, 2006
Only 50 of these watches were made, so if you've got one, hang on tight. A different version of the watch with metal straps was also released.
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HAZE x Neils Shoe Meulman Show and T-Shirt, 2007
At the "Calligrafiti" exhibition in Amsterdam, HAZE and calligrapher Neils Shoe Meulman showcased their work, some of which turned into a t-shirt design, sold exclusively at Amsterdam boutique Patta.
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HAZE x Lotus/Gran Turismo, 2008
HAZE was commissioned to add his touche to a brand new Lotus Exige as a part of Sony/Playstation's 10th-anniversary celebration of popular racing game Gran Turismo.
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HAZE x Mountain Dew Green Label Art, 2008
In 2008, HAZE did the Dew and incorporated his signature arrows and stars into the traditional Mountain Dew color scheme. The low-run "MD Superstar" was a standout amongst the many other recent artist-designed MD bottles.
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HAZE x Standard Hotel NYC, 2009
A frequently mentioned name in many "Best Dressed" lists, celebrity hotelier Andre Balazs probably couldn't stand the idea of his patrons rocking 5-for-$10 "I Love New York" t-shirts. That's why he enlisted Eric Haze for a specially designed, limited-edition T-shirt for his new Meatpacking District hotel.
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HAZE x Stüssy Las Vegas Art Installation and T-Shirt, 2009
HAZE painted the wall at Stüssy Las Vegas (check out the entire painting process here—so dope), and his design inspired a T-shirt that came in two colorways.
