Born in 1968 in New York City as Fernando Carlo Jr., COPE 2 is a pioneering figure in graffiti and street art, with a career spanning over three decades.

A self-taught artist, COPE 2 began writing his name in the South Bronx in 1978, becoming one of New York City’s most prolific graffiti writers. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he developed his signature style across subway cars and city streets, producing large-scale graffiti pieces and murals that helped define a generation of urban visual culture.

His work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally, recognized for its raw authenticity and cultural impact. Over the years, COPE 2 has collaborated with major global brands including Time Magazine, Converse, and Adidas, while continuing to expand into new partnerships and contemporary projects that connect street culture with broader audiences.

His influence also extends into the digital space, with appearances in video games such as Marc Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure and Grand Theft Auto IV, further cementing his role in shaping graffiti’s global visibility.

Today, COPE 2 remains active in both studio and public spaces, translating the energy of the streets into layered, abstract compositions infused with his iconic bubble letters and tags. Moving fluidly between fine art, commercial collaborations, and street culture, his work continues to evolve while staying rooted in the authenticity that built his name.