KEO (aka. Scotch 79) was born in 1967 and began seriously painting as a pre-teen in the late 1970s. Growing up in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn, KEO was influenced by the graffiti writers he saw in the neighborhood and on the subway lines. He would soon meet and study with some of these masters, developing a style strongly rooted in traditional New York letterforms. KEO has remained obsessed with this powerful form of communication for over 25 years and has utilized these same skills to produce album covers, book jackets, logos and design for a wide range of clients. He is frequently hired for set design and scenic painting and has worked on several feature films as well.

KEO's paintings have been shown at galleries throughout the world and were featured in the Guernsey's Graffiti Auction of June 2000, which he co-curated. The first major show to feature a KEO piece was the historic FUN GALLERY group show of 1983 which showcased the works of artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Lee Quinones, Keith Haring, DONDI White, Kenny Scharf, FUTURA 2000, A ONE and FAB 5 FREDDY.

KEO continues to work in New York City, both commercially and as a "fine" artist while keeping his name alive in the streets through public graffiti murals. In between all that he's raising a teenage daughter, recording an album, and thoroughly enjoying life.