Martin Whatson

Martin Whatson (Norwegian, b. 1984) makes public murals, paintings on canvas, prints, and sculptures that unite detailed grayscale compositions with colorful scribbles—his muted pictures of dancers, animals, and iconic art historical figures feature patches of explosive, abstract graffiti. The juxtapositions create a significant sense of layering and opposing worlds within each work. Whatson began making art when he participated in Oslo’s graffiti scene in the 1990s. He drew inspiration from the city’s continuously changing landscape as he developed his own energetic aesthetic. Whatson has exhibited in Oslo, New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, Berlin, and beyond. He has also completed a number of commissioned murals and participated in collaborations with fashion brands.