touchdowntodd
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,515
Likes โข 1,416
April 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by touchdowntodd on Jun 14, 2017 13:24:42 GMT 1, Do you agree?
I've sat on the sidelines loving his work for years. Once I learned the little I know about him (I'm in the states), I couldn't help but follow and watch. I wish I could learn more, and see more work ..
Imagery seems to be why people don't "love" his work (talking with people that have collected decades longer than myself).. but I think it's strong, we'll thought out, and impactful...
I wish his work got more "public credit" if that makes sense. . Decused to post for fun and because I'm frustrated by 1 name damn near owning this end of the public affection. .
Now to be honest, I have yet to own a Blek piece. Only because I have yet to find one at an affordable price I love .. I don't have any interest in owning a flat file, storing, etc.. I only buy to hang on my wall. ... hopefully I find something soon that a reseller isn't trying to knock me over the head on
Vent over. . And reading links etc about blek would be appreciated. I love reading about artists I enjoy
Do you agree?
I've sat on the sidelines loving his work for years. Once I learned the little I know about him (I'm in the states), I couldn't help but follow and watch. I wish I could learn more, and see more work ..
Imagery seems to be why people don't "love" his work (talking with people that have collected decades longer than myself).. but I think it's strong, we'll thought out, and impactful...
I wish his work got more "public credit" if that makes sense. . Decused to post for fun and because I'm frustrated by 1 name damn near owning this end of the public affection. .
Now to be honest, I have yet to own a Blek piece. Only because I have yet to find one at an affordable price I love .. I don't have any interest in owning a flat file, storing, etc.. I only buy to hang on my wall. ... hopefully I find something soon that a reseller isn't trying to knock me over the head on
Vent over. . And reading links etc about blek would be appreciated. I love reading about artists I enjoy
|
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by Happy Shopper on Jun 14, 2017 13:53:46 GMT 1, Great and influential artist.
His original street art was great.
First prints from Black Rat Press were great.
But then the new prints weren't so good. Odd image choices.
Great and influential artist.
His original street art was great.
First prints from Black Rat Press were great.
But then the new prints weren't so good. Odd image choices.
|
|
Dibbs 45
Junior Member
Posts โข 3,902
Likes โข 4,851
October 2012
|
Blek is so underrated , by Dibbs 45 on Jun 14, 2017 14:02:47 GMT 1, He's never been underrated. His reputation is cemented in being one of the first pioneers of streetart, who influenced Banksy. I think the issue is some of his print releases. Some images are ill thought out or just going over old ground when others have moved on. I think someone is underated when they have talent yet always seem to be under the radar of recognition. However not in Bleks case. I think it is difficult to find a new way in the game as an established artist. Especially when you are a stencil artist who uses selfie stick images to break new ground, yet unfortunately other have beat you to it.
I'm a fan. But I would just like to see something new. I quite liked crooner rat though.
If you email him direct I'm sure you can pick up some bits.
He's never been underrated. His reputation is cemented in being one of the first pioneers of streetart, who influenced Banksy. I think the issue is some of his print releases. Some images are ill thought out or just going over old ground when others have moved on. I think someone is underated when they have talent yet always seem to be under the radar of recognition. However not in Bleks case. I think it is difficult to find a new way in the game as an established artist. Especially when you are a stencil artist who uses selfie stick images to break new ground, yet unfortunately other have beat you to it.
I'm a fan. But I would just like to see something new. I quite liked crooner rat though.
If you email him direct I'm sure you can pick up some bits.
|
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by Daniel Silk on Jun 14, 2017 14:06:57 GMT 1, Yeah, as it's been said, I think the images chosen to be released as prints have been very poor over the years, only one or two I would even consider buying. But that's a similar story with a lot of artists I think, and the big question about what's released, is it the artist releasing what they want rather than what people want? And what is more important?
Yeah, as it's been said, I think the images chosen to be released as prints have been very poor over the years, only one or two I would even consider buying. But that's a similar story with a lot of artists I think, and the big question about what's released, is it the artist releasing what they want rather than what people want? And what is more important?
|
|
The Jaunt
Art Gallery
New Member
Posts โข 68
Likes โข 117
April 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by The Jaunt on Jun 14, 2017 14:58:41 GMT 1, You might want to check out Vertical Gallery out of Chicago. They just had a big show with him, and they might have something for your price range.
You might want to check out Vertical Gallery out of Chicago. They just had a big show with him, and they might have something for your price range.
|
|
Deleted
Posts โข 0
Likes โข
January 1970
|
Blek is so underrated , by Deleted on Jun 14, 2017 15:15:58 GMT 1, Bleks last show in Chicago at Vertical Gallery was 99% sold out. There were some high priced canvases that sold rather quickly. 20-30k. That result doesn't say underrated to me.
Bleks last show in Chicago at Vertical Gallery was 99% sold out. There were some high priced canvases that sold rather quickly. 20-30k. That result doesn't say underrated to me.
|
|
|
|
touchdowntodd
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,515
Likes โข 1,416
April 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by touchdowntodd on Jun 14, 2017 15:25:25 GMT 1, You might want to check out Vertical Gallery out of Chicago. They just had a big show with him, and they might have something for your price range.
I've actually been to see it a few times
Like others have said, the recent imagery
Either way, best conversation I've had on here yet
You might want to check out Vertical Gallery out of Chicago. They just had a big show with him, and they might have something for your price range. I've actually been to see it a few times Like others have said, the recent imagery Either way, best conversation I've had on here yet |
|
goaty
New Member
Posts โข 433
Likes โข 123
November 2006
|
Blek is so underrated , by goaty on Jun 14, 2017 17:44:42 GMT 1, Great and influential artist. His original street art was great. First prints from Black Rat Press were great. But then the new prints weren't so good. Odd image choices.
He is a pioneer of stencil graffiti but that is about it. If Banksy didn't give him a shout out no one would care about his work.
Over the last 5 years his work has been really poor and the guy isn't very talented.
Great and influential artist. His original street art was great. First prints from Black Rat Press were great. But then the new prints weren't so good. Odd image choices. What Happy Shopper said. He is a pioneer of stencil graffiti but that is about it. If Banksy didn't give him a shout out no one would care about his work. Over the last 5 years his work has been really poor and the guy isn't very talented. |
|
yorkie
New Member
Posts โข 867
Likes โข 708
June 2016
|
Blek is so underrated , by yorkie on Jun 14, 2017 17:51:57 GMT 1, Great and influential artist. His original street art was great. First prints from Black Rat Press were great. But then the new prints weren't so good. Odd image choices. What Happy Shopper said. He is a pioneer of stencil graffiti but that is about it. If Banksy didn't give him a shout out no one would care about his work. Over the last 5 years his work has been really poor and the guy isn't very talented.
That's what makes art so subjective..... I completely disagree with you and actually don't think the last 5 years of his art has been poor at all.
I fully accept your view point BUT clearly given his recent sales and popularity - especially for events like the one at vertical - there are plenty of people who enjoy his recent works!
On a personal note he and Sybille are both great people to chat to and talk with.... so its a big thumbs up to BLR from me!
Yorkie
Great and influential artist. His original street art was great. First prints from Black Rat Press were great. But then the new prints weren't so good. Odd image choices. What Happy Shopper said. He is a pioneer of stencil graffiti but that is about it. If Banksy didn't give him a shout out no one would care about his work. Over the last 5 years his work has been really poor and the guy isn't very talented. That's what makes art so subjective..... I completely disagree with you and actually don't think the last 5 years of his art has been poor at all. I fully accept your view point BUT clearly given his recent sales and popularity - especially for events like the one at vertical - there are plenty of people who enjoy his recent works! On a personal note he and Sybille are both great people to chat to and talk with.... so its a big thumbs up to BLR from me! Yorkie |
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by Buff Monster Fan on Jun 14, 2017 22:18:06 GMT 1, I love Blek - definitely a pioneer. I own The Street Artist Paraphernalia (what can I say, I'm a sucker for rats & spray cans) and honestly, it gets so many compliments when I show folks my collection.
I've also worked directly with Blek and Sybille on a few non-print related requests and they are both super friendly and accommodating.
I love Blek - definitely a pioneer. I own The Street Artist Paraphernalia (what can I say, I'm a sucker for rats & spray cans) and honestly, it gets so many compliments when I show folks my collection.
I've also worked directly with Blek and Sybille on a few non-print related requests and they are both super friendly and accommodating.
|
|
Deleted
Posts โข 0
Likes โข
January 1970
|
Blek is so underrated , by Deleted on Jun 15, 2017 19:38:24 GMT 1, Blek is a legend and the Godfather....his recent art over the last 3-5 years has not been his best though. I have met him twice and he is such a nice guy and so approachable and passionate about his work
In my opionion he has not marketed himself as other artists have such as Banksy, Stik, Invader etc which is why his artwork is still affordable. I would suggest due to his long career and the fact that he was there at the start he did not enter the hype of other newer artists - he made peices because he wanted to and to point out social issues.
Blek was simply not up to speed with social media and the new forms of PR which is why he is awesome and galleries have not be manipulating his prices as they have with artists
Totally agree with touchdowntodd and all my Blek is hanging and it still gives me pleasure to look at after many years
As you can tell i am a huge fan and love his early work and the above is my humble opinion
Blek is a legend and the Godfather....his recent art over the last 3-5 years has not been his best though. I have met him twice and he is such a nice guy and so approachable and passionate about his work
In my opionion he has not marketed himself as other artists have such as Banksy, Stik, Invader etc which is why his artwork is still affordable. I would suggest due to his long career and the fact that he was there at the start he did not enter the hype of other newer artists - he made peices because he wanted to and to point out social issues.
Blek was simply not up to speed with social media and the new forms of PR which is why he is awesome and galleries have not be manipulating his prices as they have with artists
Totally agree with touchdowntodd and all my Blek is hanging and it still gives me pleasure to look at after many years
As you can tell i am a huge fan and love his early work and the above is my humble opinion
|
|
Deleted
Posts โข 0
Likes โข
January 1970
|
Blek is so underrated , by Deleted on Jun 15, 2017 20:03:18 GMT 1, Blek is great.
Blek is great.
|
|
touchdowntodd
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,515
Likes โข 1,416
April 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by touchdowntodd on Jun 15, 2017 22:38:50 GMT 1, The most recent image I'd LOVE to own is the Apocolypse rat. . I just don't want to pay the resellers price. Sux
The most recent image I'd LOVE to own is the Apocolypse rat. . I just don't want to pay the resellers price. Sux
|
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by The Italian One on Jun 26, 2017 19:27:29 GMT 1, Blek le rat?? first to bomb the street in europe! is that enough???
all started from him! hands off, he always be and will be on top of my street art list.
Blek le rat?? first to bomb the street in europe! is that enough???
all started from him! hands off, he always be and will be on top of my street art list.
|
|
|
|
Deleted
Posts โข 0
Likes โข
January 1970
|
Blek is so underrated , by Deleted on Jun 26, 2017 19:52:19 GMT 1, Bleks like the blues and Banksy is disco.
Blek was one of the first and doing it as street art and as protest in the early days when life wasn't about monetising everything.
Bleks like the blues and Banksy is disco.
Blek was one of the first and doing it as street art and as protest in the early days when life wasn't about monetising everything.
|
|
bradk
New Member
Posts โข 270
Likes โข 236
July 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by bradk on Nov 20, 2017 23:09:15 GMT 1, I love Blek - definitely a pioneer. I own The Street Artist Paraphernalia (what can I say, I'm a sucker for rats & spray cans) and honestly, it gets so many compliments when I show folks my collection. I've also worked directly with Blek and Sybille on a few non-print related requests and they are both super friendly and accommodating.
I love Blek - definitely a pioneer. I own The Street Artist Paraphernalia (what can I say, I'm a sucker for rats & spray cans) and honestly, it gets so many compliments when I show folks my collection. I've also worked directly with Blek and Sybille on a few non-print related requests and they are both super friendly and accommodating. Totally agree, I have this piece float mounted in a simple black frame and although the image isn't as technical as some.....I find that the beauty of it, its stencil art and defines street art in one image....I adore it and Blek! |
|
Pysgod
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,677
Likes โข 1,347
December 2016
|
Blek is so underrated , by Pysgod on Nov 20, 2017 23:18:28 GMT 1, He should have left it on the street and packed it in years ago, made a bit of a mug of himself with his last 10 or so releases.
Saying that would love a beggar or sheep.
He should have left it on the street and packed it in years ago, made a bit of a mug of himself with his last 10 or so releases.
Saying that would love a beggar or sheep.
|
|
Quinnster
Junior Member
Posts โข 3,625
Likes โข 2,769
January 2006
|
Blek is so underrated , by Quinnster on Feb 10, 2018 21:07:59 GMT 1, Every street art collection should have one Blek, Iv got a Mono Rats and itโs one of my favorite pieces.
That said most of is recent stuff is pretty poor.
Every street art collection should have one Blek, Iv got a Mono Rats and itโs one of my favorite pieces.
That said most of is recent stuff is pretty poor.
|
|
mrbagel
New Member
Posts โข 232
Likes โข 162
December 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by mrbagel on Feb 10, 2018 21:27:33 GMT 1, A few wood originals went up a couple of days ago. Haven't checked whether they are still there. Lazy week...
A few wood originals went up a couple of days ago. Haven't checked whether they are still there. Lazy week...
|
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by Lroy on Feb 11, 2018 10:41:17 GMT 1, Special one for me ( he brought it back from
Lonfon until Paris specialy for me . Blek is a gentleman !
Special one for me ( he brought it back from Lonfon until Paris specialy for me . Blek is a gentleman ! |
|
chrisell66
New Member
Posts โข 117
Likes โข 80
February 2012
|
Blek is so underrated , by chrisell66 on Feb 11, 2018 16:08:20 GMT 1, My thoughts largely mirror what's already been said - influential - strong early work - prints in recent years have been "weak" - however during that period there's been beautiful originals. Better choices with his print releases and the discussion would be different. But equally most artists have their moment - Blek's was probably before the whole scene blew up.
My thoughts largely mirror what's already been said - influential - strong early work - prints in recent years have been "weak" - however during that period there's been beautiful originals. Better choices with his print releases and the discussion would be different. But equally most artists have their moment - Blek's was probably before the whole scene blew up.
|
|
bradk
New Member
Posts โข 270
Likes โข 236
July 2017
|
Blek is so underrated , by bradk on Apr 13, 2018 22:14:45 GMT 1, My thoughts largely mirror what's already been said - influential - strong early work - prints in recent years have been "weak" - however during that period there's been beautiful originals. Better choices with his print releases and the discussion would be different. But equally most artists have their moment - Blek's was probably before the whole scene blew up.
One exception being the rat with the selfie stick....which should be assigned to room 101 immediately and be non eligible for release ever.*
*subject to non apocolypse
My thoughts largely mirror what's already been said - influential - strong early work - prints in recent years have been "weak" - however during that period there's been beautiful originals. Better choices with his print releases and the discussion would be different. But equally most artists have their moment - Blek's was probably before the whole scene blew up. Its funny isn't it - for me I appreciate what your saying but I actually think his recent series of small, simply printed, B&W rats are really strong and define a stencil street artist.... One exception being the rat with the selfie stick....which should be assigned to room 101 immediately and be non eligible for release ever.* *subject to non apocolypse |
|
|
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by Coach on Apr 13, 2018 22:55:26 GMT 1, I really canโt work out Blek.
He had created some of the greatest most iconic pieces of street art, and in turn gallery work.
Beggar, sheep, the single and multiple rats, and to a lesser extent, tango and shock/awe.
But he has created some pieces that simply do nothing for me (I hesitate to say that are poor). Diana, computer, hmv and others.
The recent rats are mediocre imo.
He has certainly established his position in street art culture and no one can take that away.
When Blek is mentioned I will always think of Beggar and as such think of a Blek fondly.
And who am I to question the manโs genius?
I really canโt work out Blek.
He had created some of the greatest most iconic pieces of street art, and in turn gallery work.
Beggar, sheep, the single and multiple rats, and to a lesser extent, tango and shock/awe.
But he has created some pieces that simply do nothing for me (I hesitate to say that are poor). Diana, computer, hmv and others.
The recent rats are mediocre imo.
He has certainly established his position in street art culture and no one can take that away.
When Blek is mentioned I will always think of Beggar and as such think of a Blek fondly.
And who am I to question the manโs genius?
|
|
Matt-lock
New Member
Posts โข 920
Likes โข 78
June 2007
|
Blek is so underrated , by Matt-lock on Apr 13, 2018 23:14:54 GMT 1, I really canโt work out Blek. He had created some of the greatest most iconic pieces of street art, and in turn gallery work. Beggar, sheep, the single and multiple rats, and to a lesser extent, tango and shock/awe. But he has created some pieces that simply do nothing for me (I hesitate to say that are poor). Diana, computer, hmv and others. The recent rats are mediocre imo. He has certainly established his position in street art culture and no one can take that away. When Blek is mentioned I will always think of Beggar and as such think of a Blek fondly. And who am I to question the manโs genius?
Sold my Beggar print years ago and regret to this day. Never see them come available.
I really canโt work out Blek. He had created some of the greatest most iconic pieces of street art, and in turn gallery work. Beggar, sheep, the single and multiple rats, and to a lesser extent, tango and shock/awe. But he has created some pieces that simply do nothing for me (I hesitate to say that are poor). Diana, computer, hmv and others. The recent rats are mediocre imo. He has certainly established his position in street art culture and no one can take that away. When Blek is mentioned I will always think of Beggar and as such think of a Blek fondly. And who am I to question the manโs genius? Sold my Beggar print years ago and regret to this day. Never see them come available. |
|
|
|
Blek is so underrated , by Coach on Apr 13, 2018 23:20:07 GMT 1, I really canโt work out Blek. He had created some of the greatest most iconic pieces of street art, and in turn gallery work. Beggar, sheep, the single and multiple rats, and to a lesser extent, tango and shock/awe. But he has created some pieces that simply do nothing for me (I hesitate to say that are poor). Diana, computer, hmv and others. The recent rats are mediocre imo. He has certainly established his position in street art culture and no one can take that away. When Blek is mentioned I will always think of Beggar and as such think of a Blek fondly. And who am I to question the manโs genius? Sold my Beggar print years ago and regret to this day. Never see them come available.
I sold mine when I had to. Regret it also.
I really canโt work out Blek. He had created some of the greatest most iconic pieces of street art, and in turn gallery work. Beggar, sheep, the single and multiple rats, and to a lesser extent, tango and shock/awe. But he has created some pieces that simply do nothing for me (I hesitate to say that are poor). Diana, computer, hmv and others. The recent rats are mediocre imo. He has certainly established his position in street art culture and no one can take that away. When Blek is mentioned I will always think of Beggar and as such think of a Blek fondly. And who am I to question the manโs genius? Sold my Beggar print years ago and regret to this day. Never see them come available. I sold mine when I had to. Regret it also. |
|
