Born in 1965 in the Bronx, New York, Torrick Ablack, known as TOXIC, emerged as a significant figure in the graffiti movement of the 1980s. The Bronx, a melting pot of cultures and the birthplace of hip-hop, provided the perfect backdrop for TOXIC’s artistic development. His early influences were deeply intertwined with the explosive hip-hop movement, engaging in DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti—but it was graffiti that became his true passion.

At just thirteen years old, TOXIC, alongside his friends A-One and Kool Koor, began transforming the urban landscape of the South Bronx into a vibrant canvas of expression. His tag name, ‘TOXIC’, originated from his boundless energy on the basketball court, where he was known as a “Toxic Battery.” That energy soon translated into his graffiti, marking his presence across New York City.

A pivotal moment in TOXIC’s career came when he joined the Tag Master Killers (TMK) crew, led by the enigmatic Rammellzee. Introduced by A-One, who was both a neighbour and fellow skateboard enthusiast, TOXIC quickly became immersed in Rammellzee’s philosophy of graffiti as a futuristic, coded language. Under his mentorship, TOXIC’s artistic vision expanded beyond traditional graffiti, embracing abstraction, complexity, and futurism.

In 1982, TOXIC’s life took a transformative turn when he met Jean-Michel Basquiat at The Roxie nightclub. The two struck up an immediate friendship—sharing artistic ideas, inspiration, and a vision that would elevate TOXIC’s career.

Basquiat, who had already begun making a name for himself in the gallery world, encouraged TOXIC to move from painting trains to painting canvases. He famously questioned TOXIC’s dedication to subway graffiti, asking:

“But how do you eat with trains?”

This moment marked a turning point for TOXIC, who began to see graffiti not just as a form of rebellion but as a viable artistic movement worthy of gallery walls and collectors’ attention.

TOXIC’s close friendship with Basquiat led to his involvement in one of the most iconic paintings in modern art history—‘Hollywood Africans’ (1983). Created during their trip to Los Angeles for an exhibition with Larry Gagosian, this artwork is a symbolic representation of the racial and cultural experiences of Black artists navigating the art world.

In the painting, TOXIC, Rammellzee, and Basquiat are depicted as three Black men in Hollywood, confronting the stereotypes and challenges they faced. This piece has since become one of Basquiat’s most famous works, further immortalising TOXIC’s presence in the art world.

Breaking Into the Gallery Scene

TOXIC made his gallery debut at the “Post-Graffiti” exhibition at the Sidney Janis Gallery in December 1983, curated by Dolores Neumann. The exhibition was a defining moment in the transition of graffiti from the streets to the art world, featuring renowned artists such as:

• A-One

• Jean-Michel Basquiat

•  Futura

•  Keith Haring

•  Crash

•  Daze

•  Lady Pink

•  Rammellzee

•  Kenny Scharf

•  TOXIC

This exhibition cemented TOXIC’s place among the most important artists of the movement, proving that graffiti was more than an act of rebellion—it was an art form worthy of institutional recognition.

In 1984, TOXIC’s work reached Europe through “Arte di Frontiera: New York Graffiti”, an exhibition in Bologna, Italy, curated by Francesca Alinovi. This was a crucial moment for the global recognition of graffiti, as TOXIC and his contemporaries were introduced to European collectors and critics, helping to solidify the movement’s status in the fine art world.

Beyond his contributions to graffiti, TOXIC was part of the electrifying 1980s New York art scene, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest figures in music, film, and fashion.

He recalls partying with Madonna at Basquiat’s apartment, attending Studio 54, and finding himself at an exhibition party where guests included The Rolling Stones, Boy George, and Duran Duran. One humorous moment from that night was when A-One repeatedly asked Mick Jagger for his name, oblivious to his fame, leading to laughter from those around him.

These moments reflect the collaborative, unfiltered, and boundary-breaking spirit of the 1980s art world, where graffiti, fine art, music, and celebrity culture intertwined.

TOXIC’s work is now included in prestigious collections, such as the Brooklyn Museum, which holds his 1984 artwork ‘Ransom Note EEC’. His style, characterised by bold colours, fluid movement, and a fusion of abstraction and graffiti, continues to inspire new generations of artists.

His contributions have been further recognised in major retrospectives, including:

•  “Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

• “City As Canvas” at the Museum of the City of New York

These exhibitions highlight TOXIC’s role in shaping the hip-hop and graffiti movements, proving that the art form was not just a fleeting trend but a catalyst for change in contemporary art.

“Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation” demonstrates how the subversion of a radically disrupted language, both visual and verbal, propelled these artists, enabling them to secure a significant position and exert a decisive influence on the art and music scenes.

Woodbury House proudly acts as the exclusive partner for TOXIC works, further strengthening our roster of historically significant street and graffiti pioneers.

In 2024, Woodbury House presented TOXIC’s first solo exhibition in the UK, ‘All Imperfections Included’, at our flagship Mayfair gallery. This exhibition showcased a range of works spanning his career, highlighting his unique fusion of abstract expressionism and graffiti.

For those looking to acquire exclusive works by TOXIC, Woodbury House offers:

• Exclusive access to works on the Primary Market

•  Acquiring works directly from TOXIC’s studio

•  Unrivalled Provenance

•  Off-market acquisitions

•  Superior-quality artworks

•  Unmatched insight and knowledge

With deep expertise and strong connections within the art world, Woodbury House provides collectors with confidence and a competitive advantage when acquiring TOXIC’s work.

As the #1 ranked art gallery on Trustpilot in London, many of our glowing reviews reflect our success in guiding collectors through the acquisition of TOXIC’s artworks, ensuring they receive the best pieces with the highest provenance.

Are you interested in upcoming exhibitions, available works, exclusive insights, or unique opportunities? Let’s connect and explore the world of TOXIC together.