Described as the Godfather of graffiti art, English coined the term POPaganda to describe his signature mash-up of
high and low cultural touchstones, from superhero mythology to icons of
art history. English is increasingly known for studio paintings that appropriate
popular images: Marilyn Monroe with Mickey Mouse breasts; Barack Obama's
face superimposed over that of Abraham Lincoln. Religion and pop, politics and advertising all subverted into nightmarish brightly coloured scenes that unsettle as well as amuse. From guerilla to gallery artist his works are selling for great sums. However he still remains true to his original motivation.
"I just want people to look and question," he says. "I want them, just
for a moment, to be critical thinkers, and say to themselves: 'What the
hell is that?'"
