Ron English

Overview

Texan-born artist Ron English, who is widely considered to be one of the forefathers of modern street art, is bringing his Dali-meets-Disney style art to New Zealand for the first time. His artistic career has spanned more than three decades, beginning in the 1980's with his ‘liberated’ billboards in which he altered billboards to convey political messages. Much like the work of his contemporaries Banksy and Shepherd Fairey, who he has collaborated and exhibited with, English’s influence is central to street art’s recognition as a valid art form.

As English’s reputation has grown, his unique imagery has continued to pervade contemporary culture. His hyperrealist depictions of McDonalds branding and advertising imagery were featured prominently in the documentary Super Size Me. What's more, his work has graced numerous album covers, including The Dandy Warhol’s Welcome to the Monkey House and more recently, Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. Works by English are held in the permanent collections of Whitney Museum, New York; Everhart Museum, Pasadena; Mauermuseum, Berlin; and Museum of Contemporary Art, Paris.

Keen to meet the artist? Why not head along to Webb's on Wednesday 16 May between 5pm-7pm where English will be signing a selection of limited edition prints.