Richard Hambleton

Richard Hambleton (1952–2017) was a Canadian artist renowned for his pioneering contributions to street art. Emerging from Vancouver, he gained prominence in New York City during the 1980s, alongside contemporaries like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Hambleton's early 'Mass Murder' series involved painting chalk outlines of "crime scenes" in public spaces, aiming to provoke and engage passersby.

He is best known for his 'Shadowman' paintings; life-sized, shadowy silhouettes painted on urban walls, designed to surprise and intrigue viewers. These works appeared in cities worldwide, including Paris, London, and Berlin. Hambleton's art has been exhibited in major galleries and events, such as the Venice Biennale in 1984 and 1988. His influence persists, inspiring artists like Banksy. Richard Hambleton passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact the art world. He is often referred to as "the Godfather of Street Art."

For those interested in viewing his work, Creed Gallery in Ascot offers a selection of Hambleton's pieces.