"Painting is a form of escapism for me and if my work allows the spectator to do the same thing, then I've achieved more than I set out to do."
Bristol based Nick Walker is one of the world's most renowned street artists. As a pioneer of the progressive early 1980s Bristol graffiti scene, Walker's work has inspired a multitude of emerging and established artists.
Walker has mastered his art using the freedom of spray cans with the addition of very controlled and intricate stencilling. Walker also likes to, "add an element of humour or irony to some paintings [and] to add a little light relief to the walls."
One of Walker's signature images is that of a gentleman in a bowler hat, aka The Vandal. The Vandal came to life in a painting called 'The Morning After', a painting that depicted the artist after a night, 'painting the town red', observing the city behind him with the satisfaction of a job well done. The concept of 'The Morning After' happened in cities across the world, from London to Agra to Paris, and The Vandal went on to feature in a Black Eyed Peas video.
Walker has been known to tackle political themes in his artwork as well. The famous Coran Can (2010) in Paris featured veiled women lifting their skirts to reveal stockings whilst they danced the cancan. It was a commentary on President Sarkozy's plan to ban the burqa in France.
Sellout shows in LA and London in 2008 saw collectors lining up for more than a day to be the first to get their hands on Walker's latest print edition.
Want to learn more about Nick Walker?
Take a Walk(er) on the Wild Side
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