Michael Stewart (graffiti artist)

Michael Stewart, also known as "Mike" or "Julia", was a graffiti artist born on June 25th, 1958 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the Brooklyn Technical High School and the Pratt Institute where he studied architecture. However, his focus was on art and he started to create graffiti in the 70s.

Stewart was known for his unique style of graffiti consisting of colorful, abstract shapes and figures. He was part of the graffiti movement that emerged in New York in the 70s and 80s.

In 1983, Stewart was arrested by New York City transit police for spray painting in a subway station. During his arrest, he was brutally beaten by several police officers, which resulted in his death two weeks later. The officers involved in the case were acquitted of any wrongdoing.

Stewart's death sparked outrage and protests among the graffiti and art communities. His story was documented in a film called "Style Wars" which brought attention to the underground world of graffiti art. Today, Stewart is recognized as a pioneering figure of the graffiti movement and his art continues to inspire new generations of artists.