25 Famous Graffiti Artists from Around the World

A piece of graffiti at a former roof felt factory in Santalahti, Tampere, Finland. Photo sourced from Wikimedia

25 Famous Graffiti Artists from Around the World

Graffiti is art that is written painted or drawn on a wall or other surface. Common image of graffiti is stylistic symbol or phrase spray painted on a wall.Graffiti art is usually done without permission and within public view, making it one of the most dangerous type of art as there can be legal lawsuits for one if found or caught doing it. 

In most countries making or painting property without permission is considered by property owner. It however one of the easiest type of art and one of the most done type of art more so in the streets and other neighborhoods. Here are some of the most famous graffiti artists from around the world that you should know;

1.Shamsia Hassani, Afghanistan

Portrait of Shamsia Hassan Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Shamsia Hassani is an Afghan graffiti artist, a fine arts lecturer, and the associate professor of Drawing and Anatomy Drawing at the Kabul University. She has popularized “street art” in the streets of Kabul and has exhibited her art in several countries. She uses graffiti art to bring awareness of the war years in her country. 

She is considered as first Afghanistan female graffiti artist. She uses a similar female figure throughout all her works of art. She represents pride and positive change in Afghanistan and Through her artworks, she portrays Afghan women in a male dominant society, making her one of the most important figures in the world. 

Read more on graffiti artist in Top Ten Places to Watch Street Artists in Paris

2. Matt Adnate, Australia

Matt Last (Adnate) is one of street art’s most influential big wall painters. His monumental works portraying Indigenous children have captivated viewers around the world. Matt Adnate can be spotted across the globe on his murals and he is one of Australia’s top famous street artists.

His hyper realistic mural art is often painted on the side of tall buildings and silos.Matt’s style is technically based on the Italian Renaissance painting technique chiaroscuro, utilizing acrylic and spray paint and it creates a metasense of space and place, when used. He is one of the most recognized artists when it comes to graffiti. 

3. Roberto Mamani Mamani, Bolivia

Photograph of the Bolivian painter Roberto Mamani Mamani Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Mamani is an Aymara artist from Bolivia. His work is distinguished by use of Aymara indigenous symbols and tradition. His art has been displayed around the world i.e., Tokyo, China, London and Washington D.C. An indigenous Bolivian of Aymara decent, Roberto Mamani Mamani is widely regarded as the country’s finest painter.

His vibrant and colorful artwork expertly uses Andean symbolism to tell the story of his fascinating indigenous traditions. He has won numerous national and international awards and his paintings are known best for their vibrant colors and the intense emotions they both exude and evoke.

4. Inti, Chile

Inti Castro is a graffiti artist and muralist born in the port city of Valparaíso, Chile. His name, translated into Incan means ‘Sun’. He began painting walls at around the age of thirteen and has since gone to become one of the most recognized street artists globally.He began painting as a tribute to his Chilean heritage, Inti from the Incan sun god and Quechua word for the sun.

His colossal murals reflect the bright colors of a Latin carnival and the mysterious energy of Ancient south AMERICAN Culture.He uses few characters in his murals and often talks of themes of life, death, ancient religion and Christianity. He is one of the best graffiti artists in the world with as style which is not only unique but also thoughtful as well. 

5.Paparazzi, Cyprus

Cypr Achilleas Michaelide who was born in 1982 in Georgia Tbilisi is a mural and street artist now based in Cyprus, hailed as most recognized exponent of street art on the island. Paparazzi made waves with his artwork as graffiti art was widely understood to be scrawling on walls not shop stopping artwork.

He was exposed to art while studying art itself at the art school in Tbilisi. He then later studied in the streets of Thessaloniki. It was just the beginning soon he met with the movement of Graffiti and hip ­ hop culture, who through  Montana started to sponsor Achilleas Michaelides like young and perspective writer and in 2002 he moved to Cyprus.

6.Everisto Angurria , Dominican Republic 

A graffiti art Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Born Omar Garcia in Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Rrpublic , he was baptized Everisto Angurria for his style of art and the achievements he made in the art world.Starting at a tender age Angurria embarked on drawing and the graphic expression as a way of creating a reality that he didn’t understand in that time and only imagined through the music he listened. 

He also had heard the stories of those who had lived outside Los Alcarrizos and imagined of the world. Everisto Angurria’s most famous and beloved mural is also his largest. In 2019, he painted the familiar and joyful poses  of the way you feel ease natural with friends and family, your history and struggle you endured.Some of his best works include; In the Heights (2021), Rafaela (2021) and Mosh (2019). 

7. Bankys, England

Banksy is a pseudonymous street artist, political activist and film director from England, active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humor with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. He has been nominated and won several awards including being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for the film and being awarded Person of the Year at the 2014 Webby Awards. 

This London based street artist is undoubtedly the most famous in the world and most secretive. His refusal to reveal his identity has helped increase his celebrity status. His social commentary on the world has grabbed the headlines of major media outlets, over the years and has become one of the best graffiti artist with his style. 

Read more about top artists in 35 Famous Modern Artists you should All know About

8. Dr. Love, Georgia

Bacha Khoperia also known as Dr. Love is a Georgian graffiti artist based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Dr. Love mostly creates multi-layer full color stencil graffiti, textual murals and street installation motives basing his motives on pop-cultural references of humor.His first ever graffiti was dedicated to Irakli Charkviani. 

Dr. Love bases his motives on pop-cultural references of humor or critical context. Most of his graffiti paintings are in Tbilisi and so far he is the author of the biggest graffiti in Georgia, that is located in Batumi. He is the country’s most famous graffiti artist and has made several achievements in the art world. 

9.Wise Two , Kenya

Graffiti Art in the streets of Kenya Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Wise Two whose real name is Bhupenra Jethwa is an acclaimed Kenyan street artist and muralist, who has created work in public spaces around the world including south Africa, United States and largest mural in Nairobi city.He one of the reputable pioneers of graffiti art in Kenya, a country where street art was rare before. 

Wise Two also player an integral part in bringing graffiti art to the mainstream audience in East Africa and is credited with creating an awareness of the Kenyan graffiti art movement amongst the global graffiti community through his involvements in various international exhibitions and events. 

10.Royyal Dog, South Korea

Royyal Dog is a Korean graffiti writer and street artist. He is best known for his photo realistic murals of African American women in traditional Korean hanbok. He started gaining recognition in 2016 for his mural featuring rap icons and multiculturalism in the United States and has since become one of the most iconic graffiti artists. 

His paintings carry a message of global harmony and have been recognized for multiculturalism. His work can be seen around the world.He studied animation at Chungkang College of Cultural Industries in Incheon. He also studied pastoral studies at International Evangelical College in the Philippines before dropping out to pursue graffiti in Perth, Australia.

11. Kenji Chai, Malaysia

Kenji Chai is a Malaysian graffiti artist who has gained international recognition for his design and type of art which is street art. He however had a tough way to become internationally recognized as his first foray into street art was met with an unimpressed audience. He has since gone on to make a long list of achievements, including a 25-storey mural for a four-star boutique hotel that got certified by the Malaysia Book of Records. 

Kenji Chai is most known for vibrant and bold graffiti and murals that reflects humor and mischief with sprinkles of positivity.Over the years his art has received criticism and has been caught and warned by different people whom he has stepped on their property , but that has not stopped him from painting and he enjoys the thrill of getting caught that comes with graffiti art. 

12. Osa Seven , Nigeria

Mural Design at Ojdu Berger, Lagos State, Nigeria Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Osa Okunkpolor who was born on 11th March 1983, simply known as Osa Seven, is a Nigerian graffiti artist, brand developer and GFX designer. His work ranges from portraits of iconic characters to scenic images, brand designs, abstract art, and tribal art designs. Osa seven is an urban graffiti artist with a passion for using art to express tales.

Osa meticulousness and brilliance can be observed in his works which range from abstract art and tribal art designs that appeal to human emotion and has earned some of his best achievements. He has a passion for telling stories using contemporary art and he is one of the best graffiti artists in the world and his work tells it all. 

Read more about black artists here

13.Al Maskari, Oman

Al Maskari is one of Oman’s most recognizable graffiti artists, has been finding legal ways to pursue his passion for street art which has always been prohibited in public spaces in Muscat. He works on legal spaces like old buses and old houses. He and other street artists are slowly unleashing the street art culture to the public and spearheading a cultural transition in Muscat.

Abdulmalik, who hails from Ibra in Al Sharqiyah and is now a resident of Muscat, pursued his higher studies in IT and architecture, although street art was always his first love and began painting at a very young age and he would spend hours drawing beautiful objects using his favorite, well-sharpened pencil. He has since become one of the best artists in the country. 

14. Zainab Al-Mahoozi, Saudi Arabia

Zeinab Al-Mahoozi is a Saudi Arabian graffiti artist whose works on the streets has been lauded so much. She believes that a world without art is like life without meaning. She had displayed her artwork worldwide and works with many layers in her print, in the kingdom, art, and especially street art.

She believes this is needed for the younger generation to continue their interest in art. Zeinab was one of the Saudi graffiti artists to help transform blank walls into works of art. The Saudi ministry of culture launched an initiative to support street artists with specific city location chosen.

15.Mars, South  Africa

Mars is one of south Africa most prolific graffiti artists. He comes from the streets of Johannesburg and his unmistakable art can be seen across the city in various forms,on the sides of buildings, motor passes,and abandoned lots.Mars’ work has a subtle innocence about it and he has gone on to become one of the most renowned graffiti artists. 

His light hearted,mischievous style comes from wanting to make art that offers viewers a reprieve from the everyday grind. Animated colors are woven together with bold crisp lines, a result of his strong graffiti influence. He is one of the most important graffiti artists from across the world and his career is on the rise with the more opportunities such artists are given recently.

16.Alex Face, Thailand

A graffiti art on Hanbury Street by Alex Face photo sourced from Wikimedia

Patcharapol Tangruen, also known as Alex Face, is a well-known and influential graffiti artist in Thailand, who makes provocation site specific art work in public places. He considers himself as an artist with a social conscience with his signature characters being babies and sometimes in animal suits. 

This characters look cute at first glance but also worried and aged. The baby idea was apparently inspired by the birth of his daughter.His street art can be found in a variety of areas around the world.He has since become one of the best and one of the most renowned graffiti artist and has over the years made some great achievements. 

17. Turbo, Turkey 

Tunc Dindas who goes by nickname Turbo is a Turkish graffiti artist who does most of his work in Istanbul. His work has appeared in corporate officer, commercials and multiple areas in Istanbul. His style is unique for Turkish art in the sense that it combines New York style subway art with bubble lettering. He is the most popular graffiti artist in Istanbul. 

His art includes animal caricatures and bubble letters. His style is considered to be street art, a cultural phenomenon that is popular throughout the world. He targets mostly the younger “hip” crowd. Turbo uses social media platforms, Tumblr and Facebook, to show his fans his most recent graffiti projects and tell them about his future works.

18.Shepard Fairey,USA 

Frank Shepard Fairey who was born on February 15, 1970 is an American contemporary and graffiti artist, activist and founder of OBEY Clothing and emerged from the skateboarding scene. He is a Rhode Island school of design graduate is one of the most influential Us Street artist.

He is most well-known on his work HOPE poster that he designed in 2008 for presidential candidate Barack Obama.He is also known for his style which has been described as a bold iconic style that is based on styling and idealizing images. He is one of the most renowned graffiti artists. 

19.DALeast, China

Graffiti by DALeast in Pedley Street, Shoreditch, London. Photo sourced from Wikimedia

DALeast, born in 1984 in Wuhan, China, is a prolific, multi-faceted artist known for his unusual paintings of animals. He has started doing art when he was there years old and he is a graduate of the Institute of Fine Arts, where he studied Sculpture.  He was fascinated by every form of art and worked on everything – painting, sculpture, installations, synchronizing performance, and digital art.

He officially began doing art on public space in 2004 under the pseudonym DAL. DALeast is a quadruple street artist. This Chinese artist work primarily features animals or humans. His style is said to look three dimensional because of his vivid strokes. He is currently among the most iconic graffiti artists in the world. 

20.Ronzo, England

Ronzo who is also known as Vandal Extraordinaire is a London based visual artist.The reclusive London based street artist is mostly known for his illustrative graffiti, with a style which is rich in color texture and is often asocial commentary on world affairs. He is one of the first three dimensional street artist.

He is re-known for his off-the-wall characters drawings, murals, paintings and street sculptures as well as digital art. His creations live in the streets and walls of London, but can be found around the world.He has since become one of the best graffiti artists ever and his achievements are there for all to see. 

21.Cornbread 

Darryl McCray who was born on 1953, better known by his tagging and stage name Cornbread, is an American graffiti artist from Philadelphia.McCray was raised in Brewerytown, a neighborhood of North Philadelphia. He became one of the best and among the most renowned graffiti artists of all time. 

During the late 1960s, he and a group of friends started doing graffiti in Philadelphia, by writing their monikers on walls across the city. He is generally acknowledged to be the first modern graffiti artist,who got his start in Philadelphia during the late 1960s.The practice spread to New York where taggers where especially known for targeting subway cars.

22. Lady Pink 

Lady Pink, born Sandra Fabara who was born in 1964, is an Ecuadorian-American graffiti and mural artist. She one of the few original graffiti artists of the 1970s and 80s.Lady pink was born Sandra Fabara in Ecuador and raised in NYC where she painted subway train.She became one of the most renowned female graffiti artists and rising to fame in a career very few attempted before. 

She uses graffiti and murals as acts of rebellion and self-expression, and empowering women. She was nicknamed the “first lady of graffiti,” because she was one of the first women active in the early 1980s New York City subway graffiti subculture. Her achievements in the art world has made her one of the most recognized artists. 

23.Swoon, USA

Graffiti in Seattle, Washington State, USA Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Caledonia Curry mostly known by her work name Swoon, who was born in 1977 in USA, is a contemporary and street artist who works with printmaking, sculpture, and stop-motion animation to create immersive installations, community-based projects and public artworks.She is best known as one of the first women Street Artists to gain international recognition.

Her work centers the transformative capacity of art as a catalyst for healing within communities experiencing crisis.Swoon has exhibited her work in museums and gallaries but she is best known for large intricately cut and pasted paper murals made from recycled newsprint which she began to create in 1999.

Read more about American artists here

24. Tracey 168,USA

Tracy 168 who was born as  Michael Tracy in New York is an American street and graffiti artist. He is most recognized as a leading figure in the early Graffiti movement, he was one of the first to utilize “Wild Style” lettering. When most people picture classic graffiti the known as Wild Style usually comes to mind and Tracy 168’s name also comes in handy. 

The technique involves dense layers of lettering pulled and twisted into angles or curves that are often embellished with arrows.He became one of the most sought artists for his unique style which earned him most of his achievements in the art world. 

25. Daze

Chris Ellis known by many as daze is an American graffiti artist known as one of the pioneers of the street-art movement. He tried to spray paint on his first subway car in 1976 at the age of 14 but because it was middle winter the paint froze.His subsequent attempts met with greater success  and along with partners like John Matos he went on to paint hundreds of subway cars through the rest of the decade.

He became one of the best graffiti artists and enjoyed success and achieved many things over the years. He remains one of the few artists of his generation to make the successful transition from the subways to the studio. His paintings features dreamy imagery fused with urban landscapes. These new themes reflect a thoughtful, reflecting artist at a turning point in his career.