Gotta Have Faith

British mixed-media artist Mr. Sly creates bold graphic images offering a contemporary slant on 20th Century popular culture. Describing himself as an Urban Pop Artist, he is inspired by music, films, TV and historical figures; taking iconic figures from the past and placing them front and centre makes him feel, he says, “as if they are living in a new age.” Born in Liverpool, Mr. Sly’s artistic path was shaped by his travels and military service in the British Army, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2012. This experience reignited his passion for art, leading to a full-time career. He incorporates text into many of his pieces, quoting directly from films or song lyrics, and weaves these words into the narrative. Sometimes he uses them as a basis for the story of the composition, while at other times he may highlight an element with a relevant quotation. Having studied Art and Design, Graphic Design and Photo Restoration, he introduces some interesting hidden processes into each composition, restoring and manipulating old photographs, and blending graphic and more traditionally artistic elements to create a homogeneous whole. Each piece has a high gloss finish, sometimes with a touch of sparkle to highlight the glamour of his subjects. Keen to experiment and explore a diverse range of materials, Mr. Sly may be spray painting on a skateboard, building a collage or pasting on brickwork, but the result is always thought-provoking and stylish. Mr. Sly is featured in galleries across the UK, Europe and the US, and recent clients include Chelsea Football Club, L’Oreal and Redken. He has been featured widely in the media and made an impact on the celebrity circuit with Paris Hilton, Post Malone and David Haye amongst his collectors.