Blek le Rat

Blek le Rat (born Xavier Prou in 1951) is a pioneering French street artist, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of stencil graffiti. Emerging in the early 1980s, he revolutionized urban art by introducing intricate, politically charged stencils to the streets of Paris, laying the groundwork for what would become a global movement.

Born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Blek le Rat studied architecture and fine arts at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. While traveling in Italy in the late 1970s, he became fascinated by the stenciled political graffiti in Rome, which inspired him to adopt the technique himself. His work was also influenced by New York’s graffiti scene, but he sought a more refined and controlled aesthetic, leading him to favor stencils over freehand spray paint.

In 1981, Blek le Rat began painting life-sized black rats across Paris, earning him his moniker—“Blek” from the comic Blek le Roc and “le Rat” as a play on words (he described rats as both a symbol of freedom and an infestation). His work quickly evolved beyond rodents, incorporating socially conscious imagery, political messages, and homages to classical art.

Unlike traditional graffiti artists who favoured tagging, Blek’s use of stencils allowed for rapid, repeatable, and highly detailed imagery. This approach would later influence Banksy, who credited Blek as a major inspiration.

Blek le Rat’s art frequently tackles themes of war, poverty, surveillance, and human rights. His depictions of figures like the homeless, refugees, and political activists bring attention to social injustices. He also recreates historical artworks in urban settings, such as his stencil interpretations of Caravaggio’s paintings.

By the 1990s, French authorities began cracking down on graffiti, leading Blek to shift from street walls to canvas and gallery exhibitions. His work has been showcased in major cities worldwide, and he remains an influential figure in the street art scene. Despite his gallery success, Blek le Rat continues to work in public spaces, maintaining his original ethos: art should be accessible to all. His influence is particularly evident in the rise of stencil-based street art, with artists like Banksy acknowledging his pioneering role.

Blek le Rat’s legacy is firmly cemented as a trailblazer of street art, blending classical influences with contemporary activism. His stencil technique revolutionised urban art and continues to inspire new generations of artists globally.