Nasty
Sous les bombes
2020
Double-sided screen print, hand-embellished with calligraphic elements, on 250g paper
50 × 50 cm
Artist's proof (Oeuvre unique d'atelier) — A unique work: a silkscreen print enhanced by hand with calligraphy, embellished on the reverse with another print and signed by hand in a large calligraphic style. As this is a studio proof, minor imperfections may be visible, such as small creases in the paper on the reverse in the bottom left-hand corner, which are not visible on the front.
Location: Paris, France
Arianee token ID
716192117
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About the artwork
This composition features a central element consisting of several panels, evoking a fragmented surface with distinct contours—perhaps made of cardboard or a similar mixed medium—adorned with graffiti-style lettering and abstract shapes. The central image is characterized by a vibrant palette of orange, yellow, purple, and pink, accented with intricate patterns and blue and white drips. The shapes suggest a deconstructed word or tag, rendered with sharp outlines and dynamic fills.
The central piece is surrounded by broad calligraphic swirls in bright blue and pink, which extend across the white background, framing the main image. The blue calligraphy spells out “Nasty” at the top and “Paris” at the bottom, while the pink elements form a decorative, swirling background. A smaller inscription, “NO STORY NO GLORY,” is visible in the lower-left corner of the central element, accompanied by a radiating star motif. The layering of different artistic languages—graffiti, calligraphy, and mixed media—is characteristic of the artist’s practice.
Expert opinion
This work is part of the tradition of street art and urban art, a movement that emerged in the late 20th century and continues to evolve. NASTY’s practice bridges the gap between the traditional aesthetics of graffiti and more formal gallery presentations, using materials and techniques that reference its origins while engaging with broader debates on art history. The incorporation of calligraphic elements—a recurring motif in his recent works—adds a dimension of historical and stylistic complexity, establishing a link between urban tagging and classical calligraphic traditions.
In the contemporary art market, works by established graffiti artists such as NASTY are highly sought after for their cultural resonance and their contribution to the development of urban art as a recognized genre. His unique pieces—particularly those that incorporate found objects or are extensively embellished by hand—typically command higher prices due to their singular nature and direct connection to the artist’s hand. The market for these works is driven by collectors interested in the evolution of street art and its intersection with the fine arts.
About the artist
NASTY, born in Paris in 1973, is a French graffiti artist recognized for his distinctive style that emerged from the Parisian metro system in the 1980s. He began his artistic practice by tagging subway cars, developing a bold and colorful aesthetic that became synonymous with the early French graffiti scene. His work often incorporates his iconic "NASTY" tag, rendered in various styles and scales. Over the decades, NASTY transitioned from illegal street art to gallery and institutional exhibitions, adapting his techniques to different media while retaining the essence of his urban roots. He has explored diverse supports, including actual metro maps, subway doors, and found objects, integrating them into his compositions. His career reflects a journey from underground subculture to a recognized figure in contemporary urban art, participating in numerous exhibitions internationally.
Additional info
Signed
3x
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