Raheem “King Saladeen” Johnson was born and raised in West Philadelphia, where his passion for the arts began before the age of 5. He started drawing for his mother using the walls of his family’s home as his canvas. As an inner-city child, art activities were few and far between. So, Saladeen shined as a student-athlete from his days at a Christian academy and throughout high school. During his youthful basketball career, he was able to score over 1000 points. His athletic talents proved him worthy of traveling across the country where he began playing for and against elite AAU teams. During these travels, his artistic qualities couldn’t help but surface as he began to daydream about color and design whilst gazing upon the beautiful landscapes he viewed through the windows. Those views, would too, become another source of influence and inspiration. Then, unfortunately, an auto accident at 15 put basketball on the sidelines, but his little hiatus from the sport reignited his spark for drawing. After he recovered from the car crash, Saladeen received a Division 1 scholarship from the NCAA, but within two years he realized that art was his true love. It finally registered and it was time to put down the basketball and go full speed ahead with paintbrush in-hand. Upon his return home to Philadelphia, Saladeen worked as a design artist for a clothing company which later grew into a national success. After the company was sold, he decided to give back to his city and began doing work for a teen group home in Philadelphia. While he was there he created paintings and sketches as a way to relieve stress. Still, his artworks became a beacon of light for those in a dark place. Saladeen’s drawings gave inspiration and helped those teens cope with their daily struggles. Luckily for Saladeen, his best friend John “JP” Thompson, who took notice of his worthy artistic talents, bought him his first set of professional art supplies. JP encouraged him to hone in on the arts and make it his lifelong career. He took his friend’s advice and the rest was history. In 2011, he began his venture at the Saladeen Art Group. Sadly, a couple of years later, JP, the man who pushed Saladeen to do what he does best, passed away from brain cancer. Saladeen will never forget the friend that he was... Since his best friend’s untimely passing, the contemporary abstract artist has gone to work! Thus far, he has shown his talents in some of the world’s most major cultural hubs. In 2013, Saladeen graced Hollywood with his first solo show, followed suit in a collaboration with the Jordan brand, and had his first show at Art Basel with Mr. Brainwash the next year. Now, Saladeen is a king on a throne as he looks to expand his vast and artsy kingdom. The brand has never been stronger and over the course of this decade, the contemporary artist’s brand has done nothing but level up. Art walks in China, countless gallery openings in NY, designing a toy, three limited edition clothing capsules for Champion, and artworks commissioned for the NYSE are just a taste of the legacy Saladeen will leave behind.