EXPLORING THE BIGGER PICTURE

SHADES - *On Location

*Detroit, Michigan

World Renowned Graffiti Artist

(This episode features some raw language. Please play carefully.)

Antonio “Shades” Agee is a Detroit legend and one of the city’s first recognized artists working in graffiti. He’s now world renowned and enjoys commissions by some of the world’s largest corporations. Companies like Fiat, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, and major organizations like Universal Studios, FIFA World Cup, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Pandora, and Vitamin Water all work with Shades.

There is no doubt that Shades is a Detroit legend. He battled alcohol and drug addiction and eventually used graffiti to soar above the ashes and ruins that he’d made of his life as a young man…much like a Phoenix rising that is the City of Detroit today.

Shades is one of the hardest working artists I’ve ever known. He’s also one of my best friends in Detroit. This is a raw and unvarnished conversation with Shades about his chaotic life and career.

Visit Shades’ Web Site

Follow Shades on Instagram

This episode is made possible by:

Metro Health | University of Michigan Health and Dr. Peter Hahn

VIDEO EXCERPTS OF BRIAN AND SHADES IN THE STUDIO