The early 1990’s were the peak years of violent crime in New York City and police-community relations were strained and tenuous. The riots of Crown Heights would take place only a few months after Grady’s death. Lori Leistyna met Grady Alexis during this time. When it became apparent that El Taller was going to have to close in early 1991 Grady moved much of his art to the Lori's East Village apartment. His work intesified while he was there and he spent most of his time painting. Grady developed an artistic style based on his own experiences in New York City that also seemed firmly rooted in the tradition and culture of his native Haiii.