Dondi White

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Colours: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is les red, with the dark blue tending more towards cobalt blue and the white tending more towards cream. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are some media accretion. There is some superficial surface dirt at the two lower corners.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Dondi is the most poetic of the graffiti artists and refers in his works to the early history of graffiti. He holds on to the roots of the subway culture. That is the verbal communication via  the Subway. Dondi's definitive attribute was the mastery of wild-style lettering. According to Dondi, the biggest battle is the one of individuality, to present his work as an individual. He says that painters don't want to be grouped as graffiti painters or subway artists.