Jake Genen | Master of Urban Zoology
Jake Genen, widely recognized by his artist handle jkejake, is a cornerstone of the New York City street art and digital collage scene. Based in Astoria, Queens, Genen has carved out a unique niche with his "Urban Zoology" series, which seamlessly blends Victorian-era portraiture with anthropomorphic surrealism. By combining traditional acrylic painting with modern digital techniques, he reimagines exotic creatures as sophisticated figures in foreign lands. His work has gained international acclaim, notably placing in the global High Art competition, and remains a staple of iconic NYC locations like the Welling Court Mural Project.
As a versatile creator, Jake Genen bridges the gap between high-concept gallery art and raw urban expression. His portfolio features a diverse range of mediums, from intricate wheatpastes adorning Manhattan streets to high-fidelity digital prints that have been exhibited alongside contemporary legends. Whether he is illustrating for global brands or contributing to local community murals, Genen’s art serves as a whimsical yet profound commentary on identity and nature.
The Partnership
The creative synergy between Jake Genen and Prolific Wone reached a pivotal milestone with the release of the "I Am" single. Marking Prolific Wone’s powerful return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus, this project serves as a "rebirth of collaboration" between the two artists. For the cover art, Jake Genen masterfully integrated his signature digital surrealism with Prolific's personal photography, blending a gritty urban backdrop with high-concept illustration.
Central to the "I Am" visual identity is the workhorse, a figure Jake Genen depicted to represent Prolific Wone’s symbolic animal spirit. By setting this noble, industrious creature against a photograph of NYC urban art captured by Prolific himself, Genen bridged the gap between their two distinct mediums. This partnership highlights Jake Genen’s ability to translate complex personal narratives into striking visual metaphors, cementing his role as a vital creative force in the New York contemporary art landscape.
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