THE SCOUT

Artist Entertains With Fiery Graffiti

Ellis Gallagher shows off his firetagging skills.
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Ellis Gallagher shows off his firetagging skills. Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash

By Lisa Cericola | Posted August 24, 2009, 9:00 AM EDT
Somehow graffiti has become commonplace at events, as decor or in the form of live-action entertainment. Brooklyn-based artist Ellis Gallagher, a.k.a. Ellis G, has perfected the art of fire tagging, which combines the artistic aspect of graffiti with attention-grabbing flames. To create the effect, he quickly ignites a spray-painted tag before it dries, for a fiery, three-dimensional image that typically lasts less than a minute. Fire-based entertainment isn’t right for every event or venue and requires proper permits—Gallagher says an open space, either outdoors or inside with proper ventilation, is ideal. A freestanding wall is the best, but a large sheet of plywood works as well. Gallagher can travel worldwide, and fees depend on an event’s length and location.