Contemporary Artist Skott Marsi Creates a Vertical Gallery Exhibition

April 29, 2015 – New York, NY....Contemporary artist Skott Marsi has been commissioned by the Kaufman Organization (KO), a long established, full-service real estate firm, to put his uniquely energized imprint onto three of the four properties that comprise KO’s Madison Square Portfolio in Midtown South, transforming the office buildings for creative, tech and new media firms. Skott was chosen for his inimitable style and in this project he transforms the mundane elevator ride into a vertical street art gallery.  The ride whisks you up and through an exhibition by way of a glass wall facing the elevator shaft that showcases different artwork on each landing. Marsi and Kaufman chose to highlight some iconic images of New York and its top influencers: Warhol, De Niro and the Flatiron Building.  In three separate buildings, each with 12 floors, you’ll get to see a total of 72 distinct artworks – a monumental achievement produced in six weeks.  This is one elevator ride where you might intentionally press the button for each floor to get a closer look.  The Madison Square neighborhood is a virtual beehive of activity and is one of the most desirable and accessible neighborhoods to live and work in. Also known as the Silicon Alley of New York, Marsi’s artwork appeals to tech industry leaders and the entrepreneurship ecosystem surrounding it.

As an early teen, Skott’s first graffiti ‘tag’ was his own rendering of the iconic Gumby, an American clay humanoid character, created by Art Clokey.  Over the years, his work has evolved.  He draws inspiration from Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and graffiti artist Banksy to produce what Skott calls ‘controlled chaos.’  A transformation began in 2011 when he became one of the top trending artists working out of the Wynwood Art & Design District of Miami – a hotbed for the latest talent. Skott was asked to paint live at Art Basel Miami which became a driving force for exposure. He made a big impression during the show and was asked to participate in a group exhibition at the Art Place Gallery.  In following years he had solo shows at the Catalina Hotel on Collins and the newly opened Gale Hotel in 2014.

Miamians started to take notice – Gallery owner and accomplished artist Danilo Gonzalez commissioned Skott for The Wynwood Café. Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design introduced him to a number of projects including La Familia Grocery Store and a mural for Philip Levine, Mayor of Miami. The Miami Heat invited him to create some visual sizzle for their pre-season VIP party. Simultaneously, a high profile network of collectors were eager to own a canvas - Jeremy Shockey a New York Giants Super Bowl Champion, and singer/songwriter Christina Aguilera were eager to collect his work.   

Stephane Valici and Yelena Swain from the gallery Street Art Dubai attended Art Basel Miami 2013 in search of the next wave of talent.  They visited Marsi’s Wynwood studio, left with two canvasses and invited him to showcase in Dubai in October 2014.  Shortly afterward, the Office of H. H. The Crown Prince of Dubai (UAE) invited 100 of the world’s best street artists, including Marsi, to paint the largest graffiti scroll ever, now in the Guinness Book of World Records.  

Other exhibitions include shows in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and downtown Los Angeles.  Skott was commissioned to customize several high-end clothing stores, office interiors and exteriors and luxury cars for Von Asken.   In a short period of time, Skott’s reputation expanded from New York to Dubai and from LA to Australia.

Raised on the East end of Long Island, Skott later received a B.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Communications from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Ask Skott why he has a heart tattoo on his hand and he says, “It’s a reminder why I am doing this.  It’s dedication.  It’s an uncontrollable feeling I attain when I paint.  I give my he(ART) to this craft in hopes of leaving a legacy that paints a bigger picture than I could ever achieve.”  To underscore this generous spirit, he has donated works to the auctions of numerous charitable organizations:  High Heels and Handshakes, Butterflies No Longer Live Here, Autism Speaks, the Cornwall Center of Myers Park in North Carolina and Jackson Memorial Hospital to name a few. Children get excited when he teaches during live paint sessions as Skott shares his love and passion for art with an intention to inspire them, underscoring that Skott lives by his tags #BeHumble #BeGreat #InspireSomeone. 

The Kaufman Organization, with over 100 years of experience and 6 million square feet of owned or managed space, has long been considered one of the most prominent and well-respected real estate companies in the New York metropolitan area.  The company offers a fully integrated spectrum of leasing and management services to diverse owners and tenants and is continually looking to build its portfolio through property acquisitions. www.kaufmanorganization.com  Follow us on Instagram @MadSquareNYC #MadisonSquarePortfolio The location of the properties where the elevator shafts will be painted are: 13-15 West 27th Street, 45 West 27th Street, 19 West 24th Street, all in New York City.

Skott Marsi  Follow Skott Marsi on Twitter.com/skottmarsi  | Instagram @SkottMarsi | Facebook facebook.com/SkottMarsi   

Tags for this project include:  #skottmarsi #artlife #MadisonSquarePortfolio #TeamMarsi #BeGreat #BeHumble #InspireSomeone #streetart #graffiti #dedication #KaufmanOrganization #Marsi #Mural #elevatorart

For information and high resolution images of Skott Marsi and his work, please contact

KVD Communications | 646.723.4338 

Kathleen Duda  kathleen@kvdcom.com 

Angela Nigoghossian angela@kvdcom.com