Can you share a memorable experience or challenge you faced while creating graffiti on the streets of Paris?īlek le Rat: My early memories of stencil graffiti, the police did not bother me they used to stop me and say are you doing something political, I said no art, and they would say, ok, carry on, which is a very funny memory. Rats intrigue me they are ingenious animals, they work together, they are protective, and if the world were to flood today, rats would be the only survivor. The Rat is the only free animal in the city. There are more Rats in Paris than people. Can you tell the essence behind the Rat and why you used it in your work?īlek le Rat: Paris is full of Rats. Image Courtesy of Blek le Rat ©Blek le Rat and ©Woodbury House The Rat is a motif that is synonymous with your work. I am often referred to as ‘ The Father of Stencil Graffiti’. I am a French artist born in 1951 in Paris, and I have devoted my life to street art, particularly Stencil Graffiti. Can you please introduce yourself to those who do not know you?īlek le Rat: My name is Xavier Prou, alias Blek le Rat. In this interview, we learn about Blek’s well-trodden path as an artist, his work and what’s next for Blek le Rat.īlek le Rat, ‘The Return Of The Rat’, is until 12th April 2023 at Woodbury House Hi Blek! How are you doing? Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We honour these individuals as Légende de l’art! His impact on contemporary graffiti art and guerilla-art movements is undeniable, and his work continues to captivate audiences to this day. In the annals of art history, legends attain a near-mythical status, revered for their technical prowess, innovation, and profound insights into the human experience. Now, after a decade, Blek le Rat returns to the UK, showcasing a new body of work in his highly anticipated exhibition, ‘ The Return of The Rat,’ at Woodbury House and a fresh stencil piece in London’s Leake Street to celebrate his return. His poignant portrayals of evocative imagery reveal what must soon come to pass, imploring viewers to confront global issues’ harsh realities.
Today, Blek le Rat is widely renowned, with his stencils etched across the globe, earning him the moniker of ‘ The Father of Stencil Graffiti.’ His unwavering commitment to social consciousness and democratizing art has inspired many. Image Courtesy of Blek le Rat ©Blek le Rat
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