“Some people yearn for fame, I just yearn for creativity and production.”
Mixed-media paintings play hide and seek with identity
British artist Paul Insect rose to fame in the ‘90s for his pivotal role in the London street art scene. Since then, he’s become a mainstay of British contemporary art – bringing the influence of his DIY roots into his studio practice. In many ways, Insect looks a lot like his paintings: his graphic, mixed-media portraits wear masks that cover their faces, and so does he. “There are two sides to people,” Insect explains, “the side you want everyone to see and the side you would rather keep to yourself.” For Insect, the side he’d rather keep to himself is his appearance, staying anonymous by co...
Bio
Paul Insect (he/him) was born in 1971 in the south east of England. He now lives and works in London.
Exhibitions
In 2023 Insect's work played a major role in the historic Beyond The Streets exhibition at Saatchi Gallery in London, having been part of the same exhibition in Los Angeles. The same year, he presented his solo show Seeyou at Allouche Gallery in New York, and throughout his career he's exhibited globally in Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and beyond.
Did you know?
In 2007 Damien Hirst bought the entirety of Insect's solo show Bullion at London's Lazarides Gallery before it even opened, kick-starting Insect's career in the fine art world.
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