Woodbury House

About Blek le Rat The father of stencil art, Blek le Rat (born Xavier Prou in 1952 in Paris) was one of the very first graffiti artists in France. He is most well-known for painting stencils and is credited with starting the stencil graffiti movement. Today’s graffiti art around the world constantly mirrors the movement Blek began.

Blek le Rat’s first artwork featured black rats running along walls in the city. Painting black rats was Blek’s way of providing commentary on the urban environment whilst symbolising certain members of society. This was at a time before graffiti was seen as a criminal offence. Being one of the first graffiti artists meant he could explore and expand his style. Blek paints by using stencils, meaning that he can replicate his work many times over. As with much urban and street art, Blek’s work focusses on topical and current affairs, including the economy, politics and even religion. His pieces are renowned for their wit and sarcasm, which has only fuelled the popularity of his work in recent years. Blek has also focussed his work on creating portraits of notable people, figures and icons, including a famous piece of Princess Diana with an angel.

One of his most famous works is a self-portrait of his head on Buster Keaton’s body, which has been exhibited in many major cities across the world. He is considered the originator of the international stencil art movement, painting in stencils, much as Banksy often does today. Today’s street artists and graffiti art, including that of the infamous Banksy, credit Blek le Rat as their inspiration.