RISK

American Dream Butterfly

2021

Kelly Graval, the multi-talented fine artist, illustrator and graffiti artist known as "RISK" has been synonymous with the Los Angeles art community for decades. With a career spanning 30 years, Risk has solidified his place in the history books as world renowned graffiti legend, He has come a long way since he pioneered the painting of freeway overpasses, signs and billboards, dubbed "heavens". Although Risk loves aerosol art, he sees it as merely one genre in life's work. From his days as a student at the USC School of Fine Arts to gallery and museums exhibits around the globe, Risk has transformed from a street artist to a rising star in the contemporary art world. Risk's works are a cross-section of color field painting, light and space conceptualism and finish fetish sensibilities. Experimental methods exploit transparent aspects of kandy and pearl paint utilizing hi-tech materials, from California car and surf culture while staying true to his adaptive graffiti roots, recycling or repurposing materials all the same. Risk's work is a constant juxtaposition of advanced color theory, The work depicts an ethereal Yin and Yang quality visually and conceptually. Risk applies paint to his surfaces in multiple layers of various techniques starting with graffiti and ending with fine sprayed lacquer or resins over vintage candy, metal flake and pearl car paints. The finished product evokes emotion as the coats of atmospheric colors and gradations are trapped between the layers of lacquers and pearls. The end result is a dynamic, well-balanced and organized chaos.