#martinwhatson

Work by Martin Whatson in Wynwood.

While Oslo today offers a home to a growing display of urban art, the city’s “zero tolerance” policy of the 90s when Martin Whatson joined the emerging graffiti scene was far less welcoming. Since that time Whatson has developed an unmistakable style, creating grayscale figurative compositions and then, perhaps in some way referencing those earlier days, vandalising the work with a flurry of colorful and energetic abstract graffiti. Whatson’s compelling work has become a hit around the world and he now does as much work on canvas as on walls. In 2013 Whatson was in Stavanger, Norway for one such show of his gallery work—a show called “Undercover” at the Reed Projects Gallery—and created this version of Michelangelo’s iconic David to promote the opening, both on paper and on this wall on Salvågergata near the gallery.  @martinwhatson  

Some artwork at the future Sreet Art Museum at URBAN NATION in Berlin

Mural by Martin Whatson at Wynwood Doors.

Martin Whatson in Wynwood.

Martin Whatson in downtown Las Vegas.

Martin Whatson in downtown Las Vegas.

In the U.S. 60 percent of schools have seen arts programming defunded. Launched in 2014 the RAW Project has pulled together more than 80 artists to support the notion that schools and students are better with art and Wynwood’s Jose De Diego Middle School benefited from increased enrollment and scores, and reduced violence. In 2016, following up on that success, the Eneida M. Hartner Elementary School opened its doors and a carefully selected group of artists gathered during Art Basel 2016 to transform its walls. Norwegian stencil artist Martin Whatson is always on the lookout for inspiration from people and urban decay, and exploring interactions and juxtapositions using graffiti, stencils, and a mix of urban scenes—a perfect choice for a project that NPR describes as an effort to heal the disconnect between upscale newcomers to Wynwood, and the long-time Puerto Rican and African American residents.  @martinwhatson  @artbasel​  @wynwoodmurals  @scenesfromthesidewalk