D*Face, the British street art maestro, is a multimedia maverick who wields spray paint, stickers, posters, and stencils with unbridled creativity. Born as Dean Stockton, this graffiti-inspired dynamo grew up in London, his childhood fascination with drawing and graffiti sparked by the rebellious allure of Henry Chalfant’s seminal works, Spraycan and Subway Art, documenting the vibrant subways of New York City.
But it was skateboarding, the punk-fueled thrill ride on four wheels, that truly ignited D*Face’s artistic journey. Flipping through the pages of Thrasher magazine, with its electrifying coverage of skateboard deck graphics, he found himself drawn to the world of stickers and the DIY ethos that permeated skate and punk fanzines.
After attending an illustration and design course, D*Face embarked on a career as a freelance illustrator and designer, all the while honing his skills as a street artist. His influences encompassed a wide range, from Shepard Fairey’s iconic “Obey Giant” campaign to the bold illustrations of Jim Philips, not to mention the pulsating beats of hip hop, the raw energy of punk music, and the captivating charm of animated cartoons.
D*Face made his mark on the London art scene with his debut solo exhibition, Death & Glory, at the Stolenspace gallery in October 2006. The show was an instant success, with every piece selling out and leaving audiences craving more. He followed up with another sell-out exhibition, Eyecons, at O Contemporary in Brighton in March 2007. This thrilling showcase featured new paintings, installations, and prints that captured the essence of his unique artistic vision.
In addition to his remarkable exhibitions, DFace was a trailblazer in the gallery scene. He owned and curated the Outside Institute, London’s pioneering contemporary art gallery dedicated to street art. The Outside Institute eventually evolved and rebranded into the renowned Stolen Space Gallery, cementing DFace’s influence in the street art world.
DFace’s creative prowess extended beyond the realm of visual art. In 2010, he collaborated with pop sensation Christina Aguilera, crafting the eye-catching album cover for her critically acclaimed record, Bionic. The collaboration showcased DFace’s ability to inject his signature urban edge into mainstream pop culture, pushing artistic boundaries in unexpected ways.
Never one to shy away from groundbreaking projects, D*Face took part in Art Wars at the Saatchi Gallery in 2013, curated by Ben Moore. His contribution to this awe-inspiring exhibition involved transforming a stormtrooper helmet into a captivating work of art, with proceeds benefiting the Missing Tom Fund, a cause close to Moore’s heart as he searches for his long-lost brother.
D*Face’s artistic journey has taken him across the globe, leaving vibrant imprints on cityscapes from Mexico City to London. In 2015, he participated in the prestigious All City Canvas Global Series, adorning the façade of the Hotel Lisboa in Colonia Roma with a mural that encapsulated his dynamic and provocative style.
His most recent triumph came in the form of the album cover artwork for Blink-182’s explosive record, California, released in July 2016. D*Face’s striking visuals perfectly captured the punk spirit that defined the band’s sound, adding another impressive collaboration to his ever-expanding portfolio.
D*Face’s fusion of street art, graffiti, and multimedia innovation continues to redefine the urban landscape. His unapologetic approach and unwavering passion have solidified his status as a visionary provocateur, inspiring a new generation of artists to break free from convention and embrace the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
GLOBAL GRAPHICA 