JON REES

I began painting graffiti in London in the 1980s as a teenager during the formative years of the London scene after being inspired by images and footage from New York City. Graffiti became my outlet for difficult emotions and was my way of telling the world that I existed. It gave me a voice and the opportunity to step into an alter ego. 
 
I’ve refocused that rebelliousness and now try to use graffiti for good, bringing colour and positivity into public spaces, creating murals that encourage love, unity and acceptance against a backdrop of increasing division and polarity. I also run graffiti workshops with schools and charities, helping young people to explore their identities and experiences through graffiti.