OVERVIEW
Richard Hambleton (1952-2017), aka ‘The Godfather of Street Art’, was a Canadian born artist whose enigmatic work left an indelible mark on the global art scene. Rising to prominence in the 1980’s, alongside contemporaries such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Hambleton became renowned for his innovative approach to street art, blending elements of abstraction with urban grit to create mesmerizing and thought-provoking compositions.
ARTISTIC STYLE
Hambleton's artistic style can be characterized in his rejection of the term ‘graffiti art’, his arresting imagery and raw energy of his conceptual work. Best known for his "Shadowman" series, Hambleton’s work often features large-scale, monochromatic silhouettes that seem to emerge from the shadows, imbuing urban landscapes with a sense of mystery. His use of bold lines and stark contrasts creates a sense of tension and urgency, inviting viewers to confront the darker aspects of contemporary society.
KEY THEMES
Throughout his career, Hambleton explored themes of duality, anonymity and the human condition. The recurring motif of the ‘Shadowman’ serves as a potent symbol of both presence and absence, representing the hidden forces that shape our lives. Hambleton’s work is imbued with a sense of urban mythology, tapping into the collective unconscious to reveal the hidden truths lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.
