I made my way out to Brooklyn to visit my friend Mark Paul Deren, better known as MADSTEEZ, the visionary artist whose larger-than-life paintings and murals have left their mark on walls and galleries around the world.
If you’ve ever seen his work, you know it’s impossible to forget, a wild mix of surrealism, humor, and vibrant color that somehow balances chaos with harmony. His signature purple hues and layered imagery have appeared everywhere from Nike and Red Bull collaborations to massive public installations in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Hong Kong. Mark’s vision captures a feeling, it’s energetic, bold, and always unmistakably his.
When I stopped by his Brooklyn studio, we caught up about art, cars, and creative projects. Then, in true Madsteez fashion, he broke out the spray cans and painted the bumper of my 1955 Chevrolet pickup right on his stoop.
For me, this truck has always been more than just a vehicle, it’s a connection to the past, something with soul and character. Having Mark bring his style to it adds a new layer of story and expression. His art is about transformation and perspective, and that’s exactly what this old Chevy deserves.
Amazon Links for all of Jay’s and Floored Media’s photo gear!