Degrees of Separation

Kelly Graval, also known as RISK is a Los Angeles based graffiti writer and artist. Often credited as one of the founders of the West coast graffiti scene, he was one of the first writers in Southern California to paint on freight trains and overpasses. 

Having moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1983 he began tagging his name throughout his high-school and eventually formed his own graffiti crew ‘Prime crime artists’ with his friends. He attended the Pasadena art institute and the University of Southern California both on full scholarships. He went on to do commercial work, painting sets for Michael Jackson, Red hot chili peppers, Ice Cube and for the film ‘Bill and Ted’s excellent adventure’.

RISK’s style of lettering leans into the ‘Wild style’ form of graffiti but with heavy emphasis on balance, colour field theory and legibility. From 2010 onwards he began to implement found objects in his work, evolving his practice into a more sculptural and textural aesthetic.