Notch 56 56
Untitled
1985
Markers and colored pencils on paper
21 × 27.5 cm
Unique
Location: Paris, France
Documents
-
Invoice or proof of purchase
-
Certificate of authenticity
-
Other documents
About the artwork
This composition features a vibrant and layered graffiti-style artwork created on paper. The central element consists of stylized, interlocking letters arranged in a complex pattern typical of "wildstyle" graffiti. The letters are outlined in black, filled with a variety of colors—including pink, orange, blue, and brown—and incorporate textures such as wood grain and drips. Surrounding and integrated within the lettering are various motifs, including green leaves, red and white spotted mushrooms, and starbursts, suggesting an organic or fantastical environment.
On the left, a purple spray paint can with a detailed nozzle is depicted—a tool commonly associated with graffiti art. On the right, a figure with an Afro hairstyle and large eyes points toward the center of the composition, while a pencil is positioned near the lower right, suggesting the artistic process. The background features a gradient from yellow to orange, created with textured strokes, possibly from colored pencils or pastels. The artwork is signed “Noch©” in the lower right corner, consistent with the artist’s known signature.
Expert opinion
The street art market has experienced substantial growth and institutional recognition in recent years, with works by street artists fetching significant prices at auction. While blue-chip artists like Banksy and Basquiat command the highest prices, a robust mid-tier market exists for established graffiti artists whose works on paper are increasingly sought after by collectors. Notch 56’s work, rooted in the formative era of New York graffiti, holds a place within this evolving market. His practice of creating detailed black-book sketches and larger works on paper aligns with the growing appreciation for the preparatory and finished works of graffiti artists. The use of markers and colored pencils on paper is a common technique in this genre, allowing for precision and portability.
About the artist
NOTCH 56 is an artist associated with the graffiti and street art scene, primarily known for his contributions to blackbooks. These sketchbooks serve as a crucial medium for graffiti artists to develop styles, characters, and letterforms, often exchanging them within their community. The artist is identified with several crews, including TFA, DTK, THB, MAGIC DUST INK, and TSK (The Stone Killer), indicating a history of involvement in collaborative and individual projects within the urban art sphere. His practice often involves the creation of characters and stylized figures, which are a common element in graffiti art beyond lettering. These characters frequently feature distinct visual motifs and expressions, reflecting the artist's individual aesthetic within the broader context of street art culture. NOTCH 56's work is part of a tradition where personal style and technical skill are honed and shared among peers, contributing to the evolution of graffiti as an art form.
Additional info
Signed
Dated
3x
OTHER ARTWORKS YOU MAY LIKE
Your Dynamic Snippet will be displayed here...
This message is displayed because you did not provide both a filter and a template to use.









