KEO XMEN, also known as Lord Scotch 79, is a prolific graffiti writer, designer, and cultural pioneer, whose influence extends beyond the streets and into the worlds of graphic design, hip-hop, and fine art. With a career spanning over four decades, KEO has remained at the forefront of the graffiti movement while shaping the visual identity of hip-hop culture through album artwork, branding, and commercial collaborations.

His signature graffiti style pays homage to the classic New York City subway era, combining bold letterforms, pop culture references, and comic book influences. His deep connection to hip-hop, combined with his dedication to preserving traditional NYC graffiti styles, has solidified his status as one of the most respected figures in the movement.

KEO began painting graffiti at an early age, immersing himself in the burgeoning New York graffiti scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. His style quickly evolved, influenced by the legends of the movement, and by the time he was fifteen, he was already exhibiting alongside some of the biggest names in contemporary urban art.

His first major exhibition was at the legendary FUN Gallery, where he shared space with Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Richard Hambleton, DONDI, FUTURA 2000, and HAZE. The FUN Gallery, located in Manhattan’s East Village, was one of the first galleries to recognise graffiti as a legitimate art form, providing young artists with an opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional setting.

While showcasing his work in galleries, KEO continued to paint subway trains, refining his lettering, compositions, and technical precision. His graffiti became a visual soundtrack to the hip-hop movement, appearing on trains and walls at a time when graffiti, rap music, and breakdancing were shaping the cultural identity of New York City.

KEO’s graphic design work became as legendary as his graffiti, helping to shape the visual aesthetic of hip-hop culture. He has designed logos, illustrated album covers, and created branding for some of the most influential hip-hop artists and labels.

Some of his most notable contributions include:

• The iconic album artwork for “Operation: Doomsday” by MF DOOM

• Design work for Kool Keith, Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan, and EPMD

• Branding and artwork for Nervous Records

KEO’s work on MF DOOM’s “Operation: Doomsday” (1999) remains one of the most recognisable album covers in hip-hop history. His comic book-inspired illustration of DOOM, featuring bold colours and exaggerated lines, perfectly captured the mystique and rawness of the underground rap icon. This artwork has since become one of the most celebrated and influential hip-hop album covers of all time.

Beyond album art, KEO has also worked with major brands, designing products and apparel for:

• Nike

• Supreme

• Stüssy

• Adidas

His creative work extends to installations and set designs, having collaborated with Montblanc, Harley Davidson, Airbnb, and Warner Brothers. KEO’s ability to merge graffiti, hip-hop, and commercial design has allowed him to reach a global audience while maintaining his authentic street credibility.

Beyond his artistic practice, KEO has been deeply involved in documenting and preserving the history of graffiti and hip-hop culture. His contributions have been recognised in major publications, including:

• Bobito Garcia’s “Where’d You Get Those”

• Johan Kugelberg’s “Born in the Bronx”

• The Smithsonian’s “Anthology of Hip-Hop & Rap”

KEO also played a key role in bringing graffiti into the fine art world when he curated the first major graffiti auction at Guernsey’s Auction House in 2000. Held at New York City’s Puck Building, this event was one of the first times that graffiti art was formally sold through a major auction house, further legitimising its place in the contemporary art market.

KEO is not only an artist but also a mentor and educator, dedicated to passing down knowledge to the next generation of graffiti artists and designers. He regularly teaches workshops and lectures at:

• Columbia University

• Rutgers University

• New York University (NYU)

His outreach extends beyond academic institutions—KEO is passionate about using art as a positive force in communities, working with:

• Boys & Girls Clubs

• Youth outreach programmes

• The Rikers Island Robert N. Davoren Adolescent Facility

His work within juvenile detention centres and community programmes highlights his commitment to using graffiti and hip-hop culture as tools for empowerment, creativity, and self-expression.

Woodbury House proudly collaborates with KEO XMEN, continuing to showcase his work and cementing his legacy as one of the most important graffiti writers of his generation.

In 2023, Woodbury House exhibited KEO’s work at our flagship Mayfair gallery, bringing his bold, expressive graffiti style to a London audience. KEO’s work was also featured at the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam, further solidifying his presence in the international art scene.

For those looking to acquire exclusive works by KEO, Woodbury House offers:

• Exclusive access to works on the Primary Market

• Acquiring works directly from KEO’s studio

• Unrivalled Provenance

• Off-market acquisitions

• Superior-quality artworks

• Unmatched insight and knowledge

With deep expertise and strong connections within the art world, Woodbury House provides collectors with confidence and a competitive advantage when acquiring KEO’s work.

As the #1 ranked art gallery on Trustpilot in London, many of our glowing reviews reflect our success in guiding collectors through the acquisition of KEO’s artworks, ensuring they receive the best pieces with the highest provenance.

Are you interested in upcoming exhibitions, available works, exclusive insights, or unique opportunities? Let’s connect and explore the world of KEO together.