Carlos Rodriguez, widely known as Carlos Mare, Mare193, or Carlos Mare139 Rodriguez, is an acclaimed American graffiti artist, painter, and sculptor celebrated for his contributions to subway graffiti and innovative metal sculptures. Born in 1965, Mare grew up in East Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem, in Upper Manhattan, New York. During the 1970s and 1980s, the golden era of subway graffiti, Carlos became part of a pioneering group of artists who revolutionized the urban art scene. It was during this time that he created some of his most iconic works under the pseudonym “Mare,” short for “Nightmare.”

Mare collaborated with legendary graffiti artists such as Dondi White, Noc167, Kel First, Crash, and Kase2, leaving an indelible mark on the art form. Driven by a deep passion for contemporary art, he continually evolved and refined his unique writing style. In 1985, Mare achieved a significant milestone in his career with the creation of a metal sculpture featuring the letter “K,” marking his breakthrough into the realm of sculptural art. This innovative work demonstrated his ability to seamlessly blend graffiti aesthetics with three-dimensional forms, establishing him as a visionary in the art world.