Richard Hambleton

Richard Hambleton (1952-2017) emerged as a trailblazer in the 1980s New York Street Art movement alongside luminaries such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.

Recognized as the ‘Godfather of street art,’ Hambleton’s art carries profound significance. His street art repertoire, featuring Mass Murder depictions, homicide victims, crime scenes, and shadow figures, marked a pivotal role in shaping the underground art scene in New York. Originating on the West Coast in the late ’70s with his Image Mass Murder series, Hambleton shocked passersby by creating realistic crime scenes with chalk outlines and red paint, leaving a lasting impact across 15 cities.

Upon his move to New York in the early ’80s, Hambleton introduced the iconic Shadowmen, solidifying his status as a conceptual artist within the dynamic public art landscape. His life-sized Shadowmen, strategically placed on street corners and building walls, evoked fear and shock, challenging societal norms and inequalities.

Approximately 450 Shadowmen eventually populated New York’s streets, becoming symbolic of the city’s urban landscape. Hambleton later translated these figures onto canvas and paper, expanding his repertoire to include the popular Horse and Rider – Rodeo-themed artworks.

Lesser-known yet significant pieces, such as “I Only Have Eyes For You” (1980), showcased stenciled self-portraits pasted throughout the city, adding to Hambleton’s recognition. His Marlboro Man and rodeo series, which incorporated shadow head portraits, portrayed a play on the American hero concept, with the addition of black ‘tar’ for a distinctive ‘black lung effect.’

While overshadowed by contemporaries like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat in terms of celebrity, Hambleton’s work was highly sought after in the ’80s. However, his artistic temperament struggled with the demands of fame, leading to a temporary disappearance.

In his later years, Hambleton distanced himself from the art business, producing landscapes and ‘beautiful’ art, which some attribute to his struggles with substance abuse. In 2007, he staged a solo exhibition featuring the “Beautiful Paintings,” described as a reaction against the abundance of figurative painting prevalent in galleries.

A revival in Hambleton’s career came in 2009 when art collector Andy Valmorbida and business partner Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld supported and encouraged him to paint. This resulted in global exhibitions, marking a return to fame and fortune. The 2017 documentary “Shadowman” further solidified Hambleton’s legacy, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival shortly before his passing.

Richard Hambleton, nicknamed the Shadowman, succumbed to cancer in 2017 at the age of 65. His life, marked by fame and shadows, has elevated his work’s value posthumously, firmly establishing him as an integral part of art history.

For those interested in acquiring Richard Hambleton’s art, Bohen’s Advisory offers a selection for sale. Please enquire for further details.