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Notch 56 56

Untitled

circa 2011

Ink on lined paper

21 × 27.5 cm

Unique

Location: Paris, France

https://www.artransfer.com/web/image/product.template/37013/image_1920?unique=63fb1f5

220 € 220.0 EUR 220 €

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About the artwork

This drawing, executed in ink on lined paper, depicts a stylized head or mask-like figure rendered in a graphic, graffiti-influenced style. The composition is dominated by a central profile, featuring a prominent eye with distinct eyelashes and a sharp, angular structure. Elements associated with creativity and urban culture are incorporated into the design. A lightbulb, depicted with radiating lines suggesting illumination, is positioned above the figure’s head, while a pencil extends from its side, pointing forward. The figure incorporates geometric and organic forms, with dripping lines suggesting a fluid or melting quality—a common motif in street art. Two five-pointed stars flank the central figure—one above and one below—contributing to the dynamic balance of the composition. The word “DUST” is visible on a band across the figure’s forehead, possibly referencing the artist’s crew, “Magic Dust Ink.” The drawing is characterized by bold outlines and areas of hatching for shading, indicating a deliberate and controlled hand. The use of lined paper, often associated with sketchbooks or informal drawings, provides a raw, authentic context for the artwork.

Expert opinion

The artwork is part of the tradition of street art and graffiti, a movement that has evolved from an underground subculture into a recognized art form. The artist’s use of a pseudonym, “Notch 56,” and the inclusion of a crew name, “Magic Dust Ink,” are consistent with practices common in graffiti culture. The street art market has experienced significant growth and institutional recognition, with works by street artists fetching substantial prices at auction. This piece, an early sketch from 1995, offers insight into the artist’s foundational practice and development within this genre. Such works can be valued for their historical context within an artist’s body of work, particularly for artists who have maintained an active street practice alongside studio work. The medium of ink on lined paper is typical for preliminary sketches in this style, reflecting the immediate and often spontaneous nature of graffiti art. The growing interest in street art as a legitimate asset class suggests potential for appreciation, particularly for authenticated works by established figures within the movement.

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 3x

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