Marcel ‘SEL’ Blanco (b. 1968, Los Angeles) | Painter, Digital Artist and Musician
Marcel Blanco known by the street name SEL, is a Los Angeles based artist who came up through the Los Angeles graffiti movement. His mural work and fine art pieces share influences from his life passions including punk rock, martial arts, and old school graffiti. His bold color palette marries unexpected color choices with a mix of realistic figurative work, abstract backgrounds, and street art techniques.
Professional Background
SEL’s future was literally written on the walls of his high school where he fist began writing graffiti (and getting in a bit of trouble for it). By the early 1980’s he was already designing logos and t-shirts for local punk/hardcore bands. He became immersed in the early LA Street Art Scene and joined the seminal WCA (West Coast Artists) graffiti crew along side his friend and collaborator RISK.
After a brief stint at OTIS/Parsons Art Institute, where graffiti wasn't yet considered art, Marcel’s skill set allowed him to find design work in the music and entertainment industries working on packaging and marketing material for indie and major record labels.
One of the pioneers of LA style graffiti and street art, SEL is now a full time muralist and exhibiting fine artist. Marcel lives and works in Los Angeles.
Exhibitions
Love Malibu Style, Group Show, Tracy Parks Gallery, 2022
Punk Rock Zen, Solo Exhibition, FATHOM 2020
More to come...