About the artwork
This composition features layers of black and blue abstract forms—characteristic of calligraffiti—superimposed onto a printed book page. The underlying page displays French text discussing art history, specifically mentioning Van Gogh and Japanese prints, alongside a reproduction of an Impressionist landscape painting. The black forms, outlined in a lighter tone, exhibit a bold, gestural quality, while the blue elements provide a contrasting, more solid background to these dynamic shapes.
The artwork integrates elements of text and imagery from its found substrate, creating a dialogue between historical art references and contemporary urban aesthetics. The visible text, “L’EXPÉRIENCE LA GRANDE VII 1885–1888,” suggests a historical context for the page itself, possibly from a publication on late 19th-century art. The abstract markings partially obscure and interact with the printed content, suggesting a reinterpretation or contemporary intervention on existing cultural material.
The piece also includes smaller, more linear black markings—some resembling stylized signatures or tags—further embedding it within the visual vocabulary of street art. These elements contribute to a sense of spontaneous creation and direct engagement with the surface, contrasting with the mass-produced nature of the underlying book page. The overall effect is a juxtaposition of different visual languages and temporal contexts.
Expert opinion
The artwork is situated within the broader context of the Street Art and Post-Graffiti movements, where artists appropriate and transform existing materials and imagery. The use of a book page as a substrate for abstract calligraffiti reflects a common practice in urban art of utilizing found objects and surfaces, thereby recontextualizing them. This approach often blurs the lines between traditional art media and street-derived techniques, appealing to collectors interested in works that bridge these categories.
In the art market, works by Moze 156 are typically sought after by collectors who appreciate the evolution of graffiti into abstract expression. His pieces are often exhibited in urban art galleries and contemporary art fairs, where they contribute to a segment of the market that values originality, technical skill derived from street practices, and a distinct visual identity. The integration of historical text and imagery in this particular work adds a layer of intellectual engagement, potentially enhancing its appeal to a diverse collector base.
About the artist
MOZE 156, born in Paris, France, is a graffiti artist recognized for his contributions to the urban art scene since the late 1980s. He is a member of several prominent graffiti crews, including 156 (co-founded with JonOne), TNB, and TDT. His early work focused on graffiti writing, developing a distinct calligraphic style characterized by dynamic lines and intricate letterforms. Over the decades, MOZE 156 has transitioned his practice from clandestine street interventions to studio work and gallery exhibitions, while retaining the energy and aesthetics of his street art origins. His compositions often feature abstract forms derived from his graffiti lettering, as well as figurative elements like the stylized profiles seen in some of his drawings. He has exhibited in various galleries internationally, contributing to the broader acceptance and institutionalization of graffiti art.
Additional info
Signed
3x
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