DAMIAN ELWES - BASQUIAT'S STUDIO lV, ARTIST PROOF 1

Born 1960 in London, England, Damian Elwes has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of art. Elwes is known for his striking and evocative paintings particularly his depictions of the studios and workspaces of some of the most iconic artists in history. It was Keith Haring who persuaded Damian to take up painting. London art dealer Robert Fraser exhibited Damian's first graffiti works alongside the paintings of Jean Michel Basquiat. After that show, Elwes decided that he wanted to learn to paint with a brush. Instead of going to art school, Elwes walked all over Paris for two years searching for artists and asking he if he could make paintings of their studios. It was a way to learn different mediums and techniques, and it enabled him to find his own artistic voice. Nowadays, Elwes has his own studio in Santa Monica but still travels the world to visit and document the workspaces of artists such as Matisse, Kahlo, Hirst, Munch and Twombly. Elwes meticulously recreates their studios in his own paintings, exploring environments where exceptional works of art came into being.

Elwes exhibits his work in galleries and museums across the globe, and his art has received critical acclaim for its historical and artistic significance. His bright and detailed paintings transport viewers to the very heart of creativity providing an intimate connection with the artistic process. In his painting, "Basquiat’s Studio lV," Elwes recreates Jean Michel's studio at the time when they first became friends.

Framed, signed and dated by the artist.