Introducing The Heavy Metal Art of RISK

 In Art & Gallery News, Kelly "RISK" Graval

Park West is home to some of the all-time masters of art history with Picasso, Rembrandt, Miró, and Dalí as well as contemporary fine art luminaries such as Peter Max, Romero Britto, and Mark and Paul Kostabi, and thrilling new names creating breathtaking works of art, too, including Julie Siracusa, Gillie and Marc, Leslie Lew, and Kat Tatz. And then there are the rock-n-roll artists who turn the dial up to 11. These modern-day painters excite crowds of collectors with their unmatched energy and intoxicating hard rock spirit. You already know Michael Godard, the rockstar of the art world, now meet the heavy metal artist known as RISK.

Classic rock band Aerosmith has said that “RISK is to graffiti what Aerosmith is to rock and roll” but believe it or not, he’s so much more than that. Kelly “RISK” Graval is the Godfather of West Coast graffiti culture, an artist who, having famously painted NYC subway cars and album covers, and created a wildly successful clothing line, needs no introduction in many art communities globally. He is a master of bold urban street art who has worked with the NFL and collaborated with some of the most legendary musicians of our time, including Michael Jackson, Cypress Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blink-182, LL Cool J, and even Elton John’s legendary collaborator Bernie Taupin. RISK has also burst into revered art galleries and esteemed art collections.

In exploring color theory and building works of art with what he calls ‘metallic tissue’ (used cans of paint, license plates, and more found fragments), graffiti legend RISK defies stereotypes to produce profound art created with complex techniques and stunning treatments. He also focuses on sustainability, wasting nothing in the process of making his art that’s in demand around the world.

No artist on planet Earth rocks a bigger stage than RISK. In a way, he’s the art world’s equivalent of a one-man music festival and is still innovating and making number-one hits from his studio, a compound that musician Dave Navarro has called a modern-day Warhol Factory.

By evolving far beyond his impressive roots as a graffiti artist, RISK is now creating audacious artwork that is undeniably captivating. Whether found on the street, on clothing and album art, in a home or office, inside and out of famed Hollywood clubs, or in prestigious art galleries across the globe, his eye-catching art is adorned with bold colors, layers of meaning, and unparalleled kinetic energy. RISK is one of the most important contemporary artists working today, a man who continues to partner with famous rock and roll musicians and is still exhibiting at the finest galleries and museums in Paris, London, Miami, and beyond. He’s an art superstar at the top of his game, and now he’s ready to rock the iconic Park West stage for collectors!

To inquire about collecting RISK’s artwork, attend one of Park West’s online auction weekends or contact a sales associate via email at sales@parkwestgallery.com or by phone at 1-800-521-9654 (option 4).

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