Graffmatt

I've always had an affinity for street artists. They have developed an art practice that renders some fantastic work in a relatively short amount of time. Speed is sometimes essential when putting up a piece of work that the police may not really want there. When I saw the work of Graffmatt, I was instantly drawn to its energetic appearance. I love the kinetic subjects, the backgrounds, and the added overlay in some of the work. In the tradition of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Graffmatt has bridged the gap between street art and gallery work. I'm thoroughly impressed with people who have the ability to dance in both worlds. Graffmatt studied at and graduated from La Martinière-Diderot. While he was there, he worked on graphic design and video, but quickly turned to painting as a favorite media. The design elements from his schooling really show throughout his work. It enhances each piece without dragging it down with detail. One of his event videos is below but you can see more works and more videos of his performances at his website. www.graffmatt.com 

Graffmatt has become quite adept at doing art performances and events revolving around his quickness of hand and perfection of style. In 2015, there was a tenement that was to be raized. The residents were evicted and the building condemned until the demolition could take place. Before the building was a memory, Graffmatt set up a make-shift art studio and painted the portraits of all the residents that had been rendered homeless. Below is a video of his work in that apartment building and a couple of photos of the finished pieces. In the end, it all came crashing to the ground. I've always believed that temporary art is wonderful. However, it's pretty cool when it can be captured on film.