D*face, also known as Dean Stockton, is a British street artist and graphic designer who has gained international recognition for his bold and provocative work.
Known for his distinctive style, which combines elements of street art, pop art, and graphic design, Dface has created a body of work that is both visually striking and conceptually thought-provoking.
Early Life and Career
D*face was born in London in 1978, and he grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in southeast London. As a child, he was drawn to graffiti and street art, which he saw as a form of rebellion and expression that was not available in traditional art forms.
D*face began his artistic career in the late 1990s, when he started creating stickers and posters that he would put up around London. He was inspired by the punk rock and skateboarding scenes, which were known for their DIY ethos and anti-establishment attitudes.
Over time, D*face developed a distinctive style that was characterised by bold lines, bright colours, and a blend of graphic design and street art elements. His work often featured iconic pop culture figures, such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, as well as original characters that he created himself.
D*face's style was a departure from the more traditional forms of graffiti and street art that were popular at the time. His work was more focused on graphic design and illustration, and it had a strong emphasis on bold, eye-catching imagery.
Career Highlights
One of Dface's early career highlights was a collaboration with Shepard Fairey, the American street artist and graphic designer who is best known for his "Obey Giant" campaign. The two artists worked together on a series of posters that were put up around London, which featured Fairey's iconic "Andre the Giant" image with Dface's signature style.
In the years that followed, D*face continued to create innovative and thought-provoking work that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in street art and graphic design. He began to explore new mediums, including large-scale murals and installations, which allowed him to create even more ambitious and complex pieces.
One of D*face's most famous works is a mural he created in 2011 in Los Angeles, which is known as "Ludovico Aversion Therapy". The mural depicts a giant, cartoon-like skull that is made up of smaller, individual skulls. The piece is a commentary on the homogenisation and commercialisation of society, and it has become a beloved landmark in the city.
D*face has also worked on a number of high-profile collaborations with brands and organisations, including Coca-Cola, Vans, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. These collaborations have allowed him to bring his unique style and perspective to new audiences, and they have helped to cement his reputation as one of the most important and influential street artists working today.
Style and Influences
D*face's style is characterised by bold lines, bright colours, and a blend of graphic design and street art elements. His work often features iconic pop culture figures, such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, as well as original characters that he has created himself.
One of the key influences on Dface's work is pop art, particularly the work of artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Dface has taken the bold, graphic style of pop art and adapted it to the context of street art and graffiti, creating pieces that are both visually striking and conceptually rich.
D*face is also influenced by the punk rock and skateboarding scenes, which he sees as being closely linked to the street art and graffiti movements. He has said that he sees these scenes as being "connected by an attitude of rebellion and doing things your own way," and he has sought to capture this spirit in his own work.
Another key influence on D*face's work is his interest in themes of mortality, decay, and destruction. Many of his pieces feature skulls, bones, and other images that suggest the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. He has said that he sees these themes as being central to the human experience, and he seeks to explore them in his work in a way that is both playful and thought-provoking.
Techniques and Mediums
D*face is known for his innovative use of a wide range of mediums and techniques. He has worked with everything from spray paint and stencils to screen printing and collage, and he is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in street art and graphic design.
One of Dface's most distinctive techniques is his use of "dissection" or "face-off" imagery. In these pieces, he takes a recognisable image, such as a portrait of a famous person, and then "dissects" it, revealing the underlying layers and structures that make up the image. This technique is a commentary on the ways in which images and identities are constructed in contemporary society, and it has become a signature element of Dface's style.
D*face has also worked extensively with large-scale murals and installations. These pieces allow him to create ambitious, immersive works that can transform entire neighbourhoods and cities. He has said that he sees these works as being a way to "engage with people in a very immediate and direct way," and to create a sense of connection and community through his art.
Legacy and Impact
D*face's impact on the world of street art and graphic design cannot be overstated. His distinctive style, innovative techniques, and thought-provoking themes have helped to shape the aesthetics and values of these movements over the past two decades.
In addition to his contributions to the world of art, D*face has also been active in a number of charitable and community-based initiatives. He has worked on a range of projects aimed at improving the lives of young people and underprivileged communities, and he has used his art as a way to raise awareness and funds for a range of social issues.
Looking to the future, D*face shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to create innovative and provocative work that challenges our assumptions and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in street art and graphic design. His legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of his generation is assured, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
Q&A
What is Dface's real name?
Dface's real name is Dean Stockton.
Where is Dface from?
Dface is from London, England.
What are some of Dface's artistic influences?
Dface is influenced by a wide range of artistic movements and styles, including pop art, punk rock, and skateboarding culture.
What is "dissection" or "face-off" imagery?
"Dissection" or "face-off" imagery is a technique used by D*face in which he takes a recognizable image, such as a portrait of a famous person, and then "dissects" it, revealing the underlying layers and structures that make up the image.
What is one of Dface's most famous works?
One of Dface's most famous works is a mural he created in 2011 in Los Angeles, which is known as "Ludovico Aversion Therapy". The mural depicts a giant, cartoon-like skull that is made up of smaller, individual skulls.
What are some of Dface's charitable and community-based initiatives?
Dface has worked on a range of projects aimed at improving the lives of young people and underprivileged communities, and he has used his art as a way to raise awareness and funds for a range of social issues.
What is Dface's legacy in the world of street art and graphic design?
Dface's impact on the world of street art and graphic design has been significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. His distinctive style, innovative techniques, and thought-provoking themes have helped to shape the aesthetics and values of these movements over the past two decades.