Kate Red, 2015

Lukas Avalon  

Monégasque artist Lukas Avalon is turning the origins of street art on its head by bringing it onto the canvas. He meets the challenge of removing street art from its urban environment, while maintaining the socially relevant themes paramount to the art form, and ultimately elevates and emphasizes the talents possessed by street artists.

Inspired by pioneering Contemporary and street artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Shepard Fairey, Lukas Avalon also uses his art as a form of advocacy. His highly detailed canvases transcend rather than merely criticize or negate the status quo. With a constant finger on the pulse, he engages the consideration and empathy of the viewer.

Avalon’s paintings pay tribute to leading figures from the past up until today such as: Grace Kelly and Kate Moss, among others. Realising the power of fame and our society’s emulation of celebrity, Avalon’s central portraits further his subdued social commentary, which is typically hidden amidst the collaged backgrounds of his canvases.

Despite his street art influences, Avalon is increasingly introducing contemporary and Pop Art techniques in his creations. In every piece, the artist strongly conveys his powerful emotional personality through his backgrounds which, speak louder than words. Also, the chosen characters which Avalon uses in his works, aid to portray his feelings and allow the audience to perceive his pieces through their own emotions.