Collection: Blek Le Rat

“Every time I think I’ve painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek le rat has done it as well. Only twenty years earlier” - Banksy

Xavier Prou AKA Blek le rat is a French graffiti artist known for his pioneering use of stencils and keen social commentary in his work. 

Having been initially inspired by a visit to New York in 1972 when graffiti was still in its infancy he first started making work in 1981 in Paris. He found that the freehand style of street art in New York didn’t fit well within the confines of French architecture opting instead to use stencils to convey simple imagery - the rat image that he became synonymous with was chosen as they represented both the urban environment that he lived and the marginalised members of society within it. 

Blek’s reputation has steadily grown over decades of consistent work, he is often seen as among the most influential street artists of all time.