Artist’s biography
Graeme Brusby (b. 1974) became a graffiti artist at the age of 14 having been inspired by films and books that documented the sub culture in New York. He developed the tag “sense” which evolved into Xenz (pronounced “zenz”) which is the signature he uses today to sign both his paintings and his murals.
Having practiced graffiti art for over 30 years, he has developed a unique approach to the art form. His early works, which were paintings inside the derelict warehouses of Hull in Yorkshire England, encouraged a very experimental approach to graffiti, so much so that the word graffiti no longer sufficiently describes what he does.
Xenz paints landscapes from his imagination using the spray can to capture fragments of memory and ever-changing subject matter, often drawn from the natural world. He lived in Bristol where he painted many pieces alongside one of the UK’s longest standing and most respected graffiti crews TCF, and artists such as Banksy, Inkie and many others extending way beyond the boundaries of Graffiti art..
His experience as a street artist informs his work in the studio. He is a multi disciplinary visual artist. Xenz paintings often explore ethereal themes with enchanted forests depicting birds, butterflies and flowers. He draws inspiration from many sources. Japanese block prints, Chinese watercolours and the paintings of the Impressionists high on this list. Occasionally he breaks from these ethereal themes to depict the world that surrounds him, one of urban detritus and life in the city. Lately he has been working in digital formats creating 3d models, films, sound scapes and projections including recent experiments in virtual reality experiences.
Xenz has been shown in exhibitions in the UK, Miami, New York, Basel, Ibiza, New Delhi and Sydney. He has had sell-out London solo shows, and his limited edition prints are in huge demand. His work is in private and corporate collections worldwide. He studied at Edinburgh College of Art. He lives and works in London.
SOLO SHOWS
2022 – HALCYON Harvey Nichols, Bristol
2021 – PARADISE Nelly Duff Gallery, London. 2018 – xEnso Nelly Duff Gallery, London 2015 –THE MOON ON A STICK Fluorescent Smogg, Barcelona
2014 – BUILDING THE DREAM Vertical gallery Chicago
2013 –“The Art Of Xenz” book release November
2012 – THE CHARM OF HUMMINGBIRDS The Outsiders, Soho London
2011 – CLOUD CUCKOO LAND Blackall Studios, London
2011 – PECKING DISORDER, The Outsiders, Newcastle upon Tyne
2010 – BIRDS BUTTERFLIES AND SPRAYCANS Wk exp, New Delhi, India
2010 – WONDERLUST Bicker gallery, Sydney, Australia
2010 – THESE FLOWERS GROW WILD La Hora Azul, Ibiza
2009 – UNFORSCENERY Forster Gallery, London
2007 – THE LAW OF ATTRACTION Forster Gallery, London
2006 – XENZ E Shed, Bristol, England
1999 – AVANT GRAF Chicane, Bristol 1997 – BY ANY MEANS W.a.s.p.s Gallery, Edinburgh
About this website
This website presents a selection of the artwork created by the artist known as xenz. All images displayed here are the property of xenz and are created by xenz unless stated otherwise. This website is not a shop. It is a portfolio, an archive and a contact portal. If you would like to enquire about commissions or appearances at events please use the contact button below.
For all sales enquiries please contact the official galleries that represent xenz using the links provided here.
at the moment xenz does not offer any NFTs.
Xenz does not use ebay.
If you are in any doubt about authenticity please contact us.