Woodbury House gallery in London are presenting ‘War & Peace’, the highly anticipated exhibition by Blek le Rat, often referred to as the ‘father of stencil graffiti’.
Featuring more than 50 new paintings and prints, the exhibition aims to give the viewer a personal insight into Blek’s relationship with conflict, one that is heavily shaped by his childhood experiences growing up in post-war France, where family dinners were accompanied by tales of wartime suffering, drawn from his father’s first-hand accounts of combat and captivity during the First and Second World Wars.
The exhibition’s title is inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel, and Blek has drawn inspiration from centuries of conflict – from the Middle Ages to the present day – in the hope of portraying the consistent theme of futile sacrifice that underlines the human condition.
A highlight of the exhibition, the ‘Stallion of Sacrifice’ series, features a Persian warrior on horseback. The signature stencil work is based on a piece the artist saw on a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, and which he felt perfectly embodied the universal soldier – powerful but, ultimately, vulnerable. For over forty years, Blek has worked in and with dynamic urban landscapes. His artistic process, which sees him navigate these changing, sometimes hostile, environments, is akin to a game of chess where every move reveals new restrictions, opportunities, and narratives.
Of the forthcoming exhibition, Joseph Bannan, Partner, and Curator of Woodbury House says, “Each piece in ‘War & Peace’ is a testament to Blek’s commitment to infusing life into every canvas, drawing viewers into a world where history converges with contemporary consciousness.”
Summing up his hope for the exhibition – to begin a conversation with the viewer – Blek le Rat says, “I am curious to know what ‘War & Peace’ means to you.”
Blek le Rat ‘War and Peace’ is at Woodbury House until 31st July.