Erni Vales
Erni Vales, for whom the initials EVL in the company name EVL Productions Inc., stand for is a graffiti artist whose vision and approach have developed atypical to most graffiti artists from New York City. Though Erni’s work began in the heart of NYC, painting subway cars in the 1980‘s, he was simultaneously creating pieces on canvas and making his first appearance with Graffiti Productions Inc., one of the first galleries to feature authentic graffiti work of the era. Vales has branded his creations "EVL World."
Best known for his development of the 3D graffiti style technique and colorful murals to creative production design. He is also known for his unique speed and experimental procedure in showcasing his own work. EVL Productions Inc. has now opened its own gallery in Miami, where Erni is embarking on an unusual journey producing 13 series of painting in 13 months. Each month he will showcase a complete collection of pieces, beginning with his first show for Art Basel in December.
Career
While attending High School of Art and Design in New York, he made his first artist appearances at Graffiti Productions Inc., one of the first galleries to feature authentic graffiti work of the era. First professional jobs included graffiti murals and murals in dance clubs throughout New York.
Major projects
- Mercadito Restaurant, Miami Midtown-2010, 8 murals and canvas installations.
- Mercadito Restaurant, Chicago-2009, murals painted throughout entire 2 level upscale Mexican lounge.
- Lady Gaga-2009, backdrop painted for the Rolling Stone/Lady Gaga photo shoot.
- Ed Hardy-2009, entire set, cut outs and props painted for photoshoot for Ed Hardy national ad campaign.
- Google Staircase-2008, mural encompassing 5 stories of the NYC Google staircase.
- L’Officiel Magazine-2008, collaboration body painting project for fashion layout with photographer Irina Davis, Moscow, Russia.
- Indus Restaurant-2008, custom hand painted atmospheric change throughout interior and exterior of restaurant.
- Alka Seltzer -2008, 2 Hand painted promotional vehicles for Alka-Seltzer tablets.
- Wall Street Bar-2008, designed and painted 4 large scale New York based murals at the new Wall Street themed bar. Moscow, Russia.
- Bar One-2006, designed and painted large scale murals throughout bar interior in Moscow, Russia.
- Method Man- 2006, CD cover and promotional pieces for national tour. Def Jam Records.
- Dos Equis- 2006, mural, ad campaign, national print ad and bus design and painting. Mirrorball Ad Agency, NYC.
- The Apprentice- 2005, NBC TV series, mural design and execution on camera, NYC.
- Hispanic Heritage Festival- 2005, commissioned one man showcase, Time and Life Building, NYC.
- General Cigar- 2005, Helix cigar national ad campaign and commission. NYC.
- Latin Flava- 2005, design and execution of 10 promotional vehicles. NYC.
- Urban Box Office-2005, 15 commissioned paintings for office interior. NYC.
- Chelsea Market- 1994-2005, continuous mural projects throughout buildings. NYC.
- Rock Steady Crew-2002-2004, B-Boy Summit backdrops. murals for off-Broadway and world tour Musical,murals for PBS 20th anniversary celebration.
- The Experience Music Project- 2000, designed and painted sections of Hip-hop museum wing, Seattle, WA.
- Hootie and the Blowfish- 1996-1999, stage design for national tour, mural backdrops for local events.
- Pifan 97- 1997, First Annual Fantastic Film Festival, live mural painting. Puchon, Korea.
- Mercury Records- 1992, commissioned sculpture for reception lobby, mural installations and furniture designs. NYC.
- Sony Jazz Festival- 1991, back drop for Sony/CD 101 FM east coast tour.
Restaurants and nightclubs fully designed
- Atlas- 2006, Moscow, Russia.
- Freight 410- 2004, NYC.
- One 51- 2002, NYC.
- The Union Restaurant- 2000, Glastonbury, CT.
- Bliss- 1999, Hartford, CT.
- System- 1998, Hartford, CT.
- Velvet Nightclub- 1997, Hartford, CT.
- Grille 207- 1997, Hartford, CT.
- Cadillac Jacks- 1995, Orangeburg, NY.
- T-Birds- 1994, Queens, NY.
Television and film
- Emeril Live - 2005, appearance painting live on first episode of Emeril at Chelsea Market.
Producer: Diana Wolny
- Mountain Dew- 2001, production designer for national television commercial.
Dir: Hype Williams
- Nelly Furtado music video- 2001, Mural backdrops painted.
Dir: Hype Williams
- Babyface music video- 1998, Mural backdrops and sculpture art direction.
Dir: Hype Williams
- DMX and Funkmaster Flex music video- 1997, Stage mural installation.
Dir: Hype Williams
- NY Undercover, 1996, Fox TV series, various urban murals on various episodes. Producer: Don Kurt
- Sparks-1994, UPN TV series- Opening credit mural scene.
Prod. Designer: Ed LaPorta
- Money Train- 1995, Columbia Pictures, graffiti work and design. Prod. Designer: Bill Groom
- Seven- 1995, New Line, graffiti and mural designs.
Prod. Designer: Arthur Max
- Vampire in Brooklyn- 1995, Paramount Pictures, mural installation and consultations.
Prod. Designer: Cynthia Charette
- Viper- 1994-1995, NBC TV series, episodic murals, consultation and storyboarding.
Prod. Designer:Frank Pezza.
- The Flash - 1993-1994, CBS series, episodic murals created per set, per script. Producer: Don Kurt
- Sprite- 1989, national TV ad campaign. Backdrops and murals created for.
Projects with David LaChapelle
- Burger King Commercial- 2005, backdrops and art direction.
- Installation for show at Dietch Gallery -2005, NYC.
- The Vines music video-2004, various murals.
- No Doubt- 2001, CD cover.