Art often brings together contradictory or incongruous concepts and, in that collision, creates something new. The astonishing work of US-born, UK-bred stencil artist David Schmidt - better known as DS - is a perfect example.
"As far back as I can remember," he recalls, "my love for art was big enough to tame my hyperactive mind, with laser-like focus on a paper, creating a world of minute detailed figures. So, a move into a medium using the tool normally suited to a surgeon seemed a natural fit."
Inspired and bitten by the street art bug, DS focused on stencil art, hitting the streets of East London in 2002, an area he says was "heavily bombarded" by artists who have since gone on to become some of the genre's biggest names.
"The stencils were crude black and white robots but the art medium struck a note with me as a teenager," recalled DS, one of TAP Galleries' roster of acclaimed artists.
"Perspective and the use of contrasting imagery in art, a juxtaposition of old and new has always interested me," he said. "It's a big reason why a family of dysfunctional angels and cherubs began to evolve over the last six years within my art, alongside my art grenades or other strange series".
Soo Turner, TAP Galleries founder, said: "The life of this stencil artist is one of contradictions. The act of spray-painting is immediate and chaotic, yet the stencil is created painstakingly with absolute precision. It's a suitable medium for someone who’s own life is full of incongruity, and who’s art continues this trend.
DS has been commissioned by multinational companies, has sold works in Harrods and painted MG Motors’ first official art car, among many other projects. He aims to improve walls - whether they're in a gallery, a home, or on the street - hiding in plain sight.
DS admits: "I feel like this is only the beginning." We couldn't agree more.
You can buy your very own DS here, and browse pieces from our other talented artists. Alternatively, you can mail us at artontap@tapgalleries.com to organise a personal consultation or click & collect order.