Zevs, whose real name is Christophe Aguirre Schwarz, was born in 1977 in Saverne, France. He is an iconic figure in contemporary urban art, known for his innovative and provocative works. He took his pseudonym from an incident in 1991 when he narrowly escaped an accident with a train named Zeus while tagging in a RER tunnel.
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ZEVS
Biography of Zevs: Master of Graffiti and Pioneer of Urban Art
Career and Techniques
Zevs began his artistic career in the late 1980s by painting shadows and silhouettes on Parisian street furniture. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style and bold artistic interventions. Over the years, he has explored various techniques, including “reverse graffiti,” which involves cleaning parts of dirty walls to reveal contrasting images, and the use of paints visible only under ultraviolet light.
In 2004, Zevs launched his “Visual Kidnapping” project by cutting out a giant advertising poster and demanding a symbolic ransom, which drew significant attention to his work. However, he is best known for his “Liquidated Logos” series, started in 2006, where he transforms major brand logos by making them drip, symbolizing the fragility and instability of modern consumerism.
Notable Exhibitions and Projects
Zevs has exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and institutions worldwide. Notable exhibitions include:
- Visual Kidnapping at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris
- Liquidated Logos at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and De Buck Gallery in New York
- Euro Liquidated at the Palais de Tokyo
- Eiffel Phoenix for Nuit Blanche 2018 in Paris, where he transformed the lighting system of the Eiffel Tower.
In July 2009, Zevs was arrested in Hong Kong for painting a Chanel logo on an Armani store, highlighting his commitment to critiquing consumerism and commercialization. Fortunately, his stunning artwork on our site, did not prompt any police intervention 😉
Influence and Legacy
Zevs’ work is widely recognized for its ability to challenge and subvert the symbols of popular culture and major brands. His artistic approach, combining sharp social critique with visually striking aesthetics, has influenced many contemporary urban artists. Zevs continues to live and work between Paris and Berlin, where he pursues his innovative artistic explorations.
To learn more about Zevs and his works, you can discover his piece Corsica Oil Spill in the lobby of the Moby Dick or visit his instagram.
Corsica Oil Spill – Zevs – In the lobby of the Moby Dick hotel
