Notch 56 56
Untitled
circa 2014
Marker and ink on paper
28 × 21 cm
Unique
Location: Paris, France
Documents
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Invoice or proof of purchase
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Certificate of authenticity
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Other documents
About the artwork
The composition features a stylized anthropomorphic spray can character, rendered with markers and ink on paper. The character’s form is derived from a standard aerosol spray can, complete with a cap and nozzle, but it is imbued with human-like features, including an eye and a facial profile. The color palette is limited, primarily using shades of brown, gray, black, and white, with orange outlines providing definition and contrast.
The spray can character is depicted with a distinct eye, partially obscured by a horizontal brown and yellow element, suggesting a visor or eyewear. Below this, a subtle mouth-like curve is visible, contributing to the character’s expression. The body of the can features linear shading, creating a sense of metallic texture and form. Behind the character, several black, spiky, ink-blot-like forms radiate outward, suggesting bursts of paint or an energetic aura.
To the right of the central figure, the letters “TSK” are rendered in a bold, graffiti-style typeface, featuring drips that extend downward, mimicking the effect of wet paint. This text element is integrated into the overall street art aesthetic of the piece. The drawing is enclosed within an orange outline that defines the main figure, separating it from the white background of the paper.
Expert opinion
This work exemplifies a common motif in street art and graffiti culture: the anthropomorphic spray can character. This iconography emerged as a direct reference to the primary tool of graffiti artists, transforming an inanimate object into a symbolic representation of the artist or the art form itself. The style of the drawing—with its bold outlines, strong shading, and dynamic composition—aligns with traditional graffiti “blackbook” aesthetics.
The presence of the “TSK” tag, rendered with dripping effects, further anchors the piece within the vernacular of street art. Such tags can sometimes carry specific meanings within subcultures, potentially referencing crews or individual monikers. The artist’s background as a Bronx graffiti pioneer contributes to the authenticity and historical relevance of this piece within the genre, appealing to collectors interested in the origins and evolution of urban art.
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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