Richard Hambleton: The Godfather of Street Art

The engine backfires as a taxicab accelerates out of the dark to beat the light on the corner of Broadway and East 12th Street in Manhattan, and suddenly a figure is blown apart. Brake lights splash across the sidewalk and there stands Richard's shadow, haunting the walls in violent repose. And just as suddenly it disappears, painted over in the dark. Today, only one of Richard Hambleton's legendary shadow figures remains on the walls of New York City, quietly tucked away in the rectory of an old church. But not long ago, the man known commonly as the "Godfather of Street Art" had the city practically painted black. For the first time, Sotheby’s is pleased to present a collection of Richard Hambleton's most significant work in Public Intervention: Art of the Street, a groundbreaking online auction celebrating the first generation of New York graffiti and street artists of the 1980s. Bidding opens on Sothebys.com from 24 September - 1 October, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale to benefit the New Museum of Contemporary Art.

[@briteness]

I think that back in the day Hambleton was considered to be in the same league with artists like Basquiat and Haring. Today he seems to be in danger of being forgotten, whether justly or not. Time is ruthless.

[@elenafoleyfoley168]

He will go down in history as one of the greats, the simplicity in his creations is what make them stand out, Shadowman, what a stroke of genius 🖤🖤🖤

[@nagolhayze9366]

Richard’s work was at its most profound on the streets, a beautiful city narrative by a unique artist who had vision.

[@marieb.1147]

He is so underrated. Great artist !

[@EEII-ks5vo]

Richard died without knowing that one of his graffiti was on the cover of one of the best known albums in Latin America. "Clics Modernos" by Charly Garcia

[@EEII-ks5vo]

Please listen "Clics Modernos" Charly Garcia's album..

[@CALMTRANSMISSIONS]

This is awesome

[@_JudgeDredd]

I love it

[@nhl041976]

TGS... great photographer

[@Elias_Halloran]

a full playlist of sotheby's videos later I have to remark the lighting and video editing they get is pretty good.

[@nagolhayze9366]

Dude focus on the artist ... not Sotheby’s global marketing machine 🤦‍♂️

[@정길주-w9p]

멋찝니다~~

[@gregdahlen4375]

all the talking heads in the vid wearing black, they are shadows?

[@nagolhayze9366]

“Sotheby’s is exciting” = $ £ € ¥ $ $ $

[@lindamon5101]

YES ART ED YES ED ART YES ART ED💜🎁💜🎁💜🎁💜🎁💜

[@december1720]

the godfather of street art that was accepted by the fine art community. lol

[@fireproofart5526]

Cornbread and maybe Keith Haring are the OG of street art, never heard of this guy…

[@ManInAnIronMask]

I know I’m not seeing a video proclaiming a White person to be The Godfather of STREET ART

[@TopCommentMan56]

Facts

[@kondre0904]

Doesnt matter black or white

[@ManInAnIronMask]

@@kondre0904 said a White man.

[@HaileMecael]

What annoys me about artist like this is this art is not original really. But now anyone who paints a painting that looks like this work people will say oh your copying Richard Hambleton. I hate that shit.

[@raneephyllida6785]

melaf
vum.fyi