Jeej commits Once Upon a Crime at the Room Mate Bruno Hotel

Rotterdam-based Jeroen, better known as Jeej, started his career as a graffiti artist and has developed into a versatile artist over the past 15 years. Meanwhile, his graffiti-inspired art is gaining worldwide recognition, thanks in part to a growing and prominent clientele. He announces his first freely accessible exhibition titled: Once Upon a Crime. From 15 to 17 November at the Room Mate Bruno Hotel.

The exhibition reflects Jeej's personal journey within the graffiti world, where he constantly balances raw, rebellious graffiti culture with his signature nostalgic traditional childhood hero figures. With the exhibition, he honours the pioneers of the graffiti scene and transforms elements of illegality and vandalism into a powerful art form.

Graffiti in a different context

The title plays with the idea of classics vs the raw reality of the street. Turning something negative into something positive is the essence of the exhibition. "People often walk past graffiti without really noticing it, but when you put it in a different context, it takes on a new meaning. My goal is to take the culture to the next level and give it the recognition it deserves, in my opinion," says Jeej.

Jeej was born in Rotterdam, where his passion for street art originated and he combined his reputation as a model student with secretly tagging walls. A self-taught artist, he studied Marketing and Digital Design, but soon decided to focus entirely on his art. In 2020, he stepped into the spotlight, striving to give graffiti a higher status within contemporary art. His vibrant, dynamic style explores themes of anonymity and urban life, resulting in more than 500 works sold. Among others, Afrojack, Bram Krikke, NikkieTutorials and Frenna are fans of Jeej's work.

He has curated several exhibitions in the Netherlands and is represented by galleries Tres Art and the prestigious American Art Angels. Last summer, he collaborated with Blue Marlin, a well-known club in Ibiza, where he created live art. Jeej's transformation from underground artist to international established name illustrates the power of creativity and self-expression.

Cover photo: Emma Kuiper (Mermaized)