Quik
"CHARGED UP 1983" Letter "Q"
1983
graffiti done with markers and an airbrush on a white sketchbook page
28 × 21 cm
Unique
Location: paris, France
Arianee token ID
686857039
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About the artwork
This composition features a dynamic arrangement of elements characteristic of early graffiti art. At the top is a stylized head with multiple eyes and a protruding tongue, accompanied by a speech bubble containing the text "CHARGED UP!!!" and the year "1983." Below, a large, intricate letter “Q” is rendered in bright green with yellow and magenta accents, featuring ink drips that suggest a spontaneous application. The central “Q” is outlined by a double border—one in magenta and the other in gold—forming an irregular shape reminiscent of a cloud. Blue and light blue splatters and bubbles are scattered around the letter, contributing to the piece’s energetic atmosphere. The background shows subtle traces of blue spray paint on the left side, indicating the use of airbrush techniques.
Expert opinion
This work belongs to the formative period of graffiti art, specifically the early 1980s, a time when the movement was gaining visibility beyond the urban landscape and entering the gallery system. As an early example of an artist who played a role in this transition, the piece offers insight into the visual language and experimental nature of the era. Its inclusion of a figure and a stylized letter, alongside textual elements, reflects the diverse influences and expressions within the graffiti movement. The market position of Quik’s works, particularly those from this period, is stable, as collectors value pieces that demonstrate the artist’s early stylistic development and his connection to the origins of street art.
About the artist
Lin Felton aka Quik was born in 1958 in Queens, New York. He began tagging on Queens walls at the age of 10. It wasn't long before he was covering the grayness of the city's trains with his name and recognizable graffiti. An active member of the RTW Crew, he has worked alongside the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Futura. After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Quik was spotted by Dutch art dealer Yaki Kornblit, who encouraged him to move to Europe, where he would become a recognized artist. His work has become a fixture on the international scene, and has been incorporated into prestigious collections. His work can be found in the collections of the Museum of the City of New York, the Studio Museum of Harlem in New York, the Becht Collection, the Martin Visser Collection and the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands.
Additional info
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Dated
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