Alec Endon - contemporary artist, working in the direction of street art, is better known under the pseudonym Alec Monopoly. The general public does not know either the year of birth or exact address residence (Alec let it slip that he lives next to Taylor Swift in Beverly Hills) or even the face of this man. Endon justifies his anonymity by the disapproval of American authorities towards graffiti.
Mr. Monopoli was born in Westhampton Beach, New York. His father was a successful financier, and his mother professional artist– it was she who taught Alec (back in his childhood) drawing techniques, comparison skills and perspective assessment, which the guy was able to implement already at school, selling his first painting for $500.
Mr Monopoly
The artist took the pseudonym Alec Monopoly from the main character of most of his subjects - Mr. Monopoly, known to many from board game"Monopoly". Mr. Monopoly began appearing in Alec's works in 2008, during the period of US government funding of the largest banks and businessmen who actually owned the country.
The graffiti artist explains his choice by the fact that, firstly, he strives to work with a specific character that is understandable to the public, and not abstract paintings, and secondly, with its help important social problems modern society.
Features of the work of a street artist
Monopoli acquired his first experience of street art in New York, painting the walls of buildings and subway cars. As a “reward” for his efforts, Alec could receive a prison cell or, at the very least, a court fine. Actually, in connection with the active opposition of the city authorities to graffiti and “vandalism” young man I had to hide my face and personal information.
In various interviews, the artist noted his love for hometown, but later he moved to Los Angeles (believing that a large number of advertising and billboards would make his work easier), and then to California. The main reason for moving was the opportunity to paint all year round due to the warm climate of the sea coast.
Monopoli creates his masterpieces in the morning or in the middle of the night, mainly on the walls of industrial buildings in California. Alec explains the chosen time not only by the need to hide from the authorities, but also by the special atmosphere and absolute silence at this time of day.
Berlin is considered one of the most favorable cities for work. The authorities there, as well as the residents, are loyal to street art, so you can create here without fear of persecution by law enforcement officers or the public. To create a new masterpiece, just find a suitable wall and location.
Professional achievements
Alec's success story is short and lacks many details, but some of the artist's significant achievements are still known. So in 2016, the Swiss watch manufacturer - TAG Heuer recognized Monopoli as the official representative and “art provocateur” of the design of its products. There was even a series of watches and accessories in graffiti style. It is known that the newly minted TAG Heuer employee arrived at his appointment in a Lamborghini painted with his own hands.
In addition, Endon was invited to Moscow as a judge of the “Viber Sticky Fingers 2: My City, My Vibe” competition, where he judged “stickers” created by street artists from all over the world, inspired by the love of their hometowns. By the way, both times participants from Russia won the competition.
Alec Monopoly's paintings were purchased by Mailie Cyrus, Adrienne Bodie, Snoop Dogg and many other celebrities from the States and around the world. His drawings can be found not only on the abandoned walls of metropolises, the artist works at home in his own studio, depicting Mr. Monopoly and other pop culture symbols on canvas or even in figurines.
Alec considers his next goal to be opening his own exhibition. In his interview, Monopoli says that street artists are closed to the gallery and, as a result, recognition among the cultural elite, so he, like his idol Basquiat, strives to overcome this barrier.
For new graffiti artists, Monopoli recommends paying attention to the work of more experienced street artists and constantly looking for creativity and opportunities further development. Participation in battles, competitions and interaction with the local and global graffiti community is what an aspiring artist needs.
As part of his first visit to Moscow, famous street artist and trap DJ Alec Monopoly painted graffiti dedicated to the Russian capital
The plot of the graffiti is based on sticker packs invented by participants in the global sticker art competition Viber’s Sticky Fingers 2: My City, My Vibe. The basis was
Kupiki by Paramon Parfenov and I love Moscow by Tanya Zaytseva, which won special sympathy from the TimeOut.Ru editors. Alec Monopoly's style, unlike most graffiti artists who prefer large-scale abstract canvases, is characterized by working
with specific characters around whom the viewer’s attention is concentrated. Moscow graffiti at VINZAVOD, the creation of which also involved the winner of the first season of the Viber’s Sticky Fingers competition Stanislav aka drawkman, fits into the outline of Alec Monopoly’s concept, developing at the intersection of pop art, cultural criticism and social protest.
The work on the project was followed by Alec's friends and fans around the world in his personal Viber public chat, where he kept a photo diary of his first visit to Russia. Among other interesting shots, there is even a photo of the artist with the famous Russian rapper Timati from their joint walk along Red Square. By downloading Alec Monopoly's original sticker pack from the Viber sticker store, you automatically subscribe to his public chat.
5 unexpected facts about Alec Monopoly
- He considers it unfair when his success is attributed to the wealth of his parents and their connections. The artist claims that his family was neither rich nor poor - an ordinary family with average income. Alec's popularity today is the result of hard work and determination, and no amount of fees will affect his loyalty to his ideals.
- An idea can easily drown your favorite Rolls-Royce. What can you do for the sake of art!..
- One day he dropped everything and flew several thousand kilometers to fix memorial graffiti in honor of his friend, which had been damaged by attackers.
- Believes in karma and loves the color pale blue.
- Single, free, open to new meetings and experiences.
Before applying the final touches, on the eve of presenting the finished drawing on the “Wall” to the city, Alec gave exclusive interview as part of a lecture with the curator of the exhibition
Viber's Sticky Fingers by Miloslav Chemodanov. Alec Monopoly spoke about the vicissitudes of his creative path and the specifics of working in the genre of graffiti and sticker art and shared his views on current trends world street art. The public talk ended with a spectacular performance: Alec Monopoli painted another graffiti right in front of the audience. The artist depicted a traditional figure on a special canvas
Mr. Monopoly in full size.
Alec Monopoly" (Alec Andon) is the pseudonym of an anonymous graffiti artist born in New York. The artist worked in the urban environments of New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Europe and Asia, using various materials(including stencils, epoxy paint, varnish and newspaper) to depict iconic pop culture characters.
Now the world of rich Swiss watches has opened up to this man.
For the Swiss brand, appointing such a person to this position will open the company to new levels of creative artistry, in areas such as products, events, marketing and communications.
His creative and unconventional influence should pave the way for new areas of expression and artistry.
To join the World Art Exhibition in Miami, the director of Tag Heuer and the president of LVMH Watch Division announced the position of art provocateur in addition to the popular American artist Alec Monopoly for the avant-garde brand.
Alec Monopoly, street art star
Top hat, face always covered with a bandana to maintain anonymity, but what makes him famous? He owes his fame to the character of the same name from Monopoly, who is depicted on the box from under this famous game: short old man in a cylindrical hat, a banker by profession. He draws it on the streets in various variations.
"When I started, I did graffiti in NY e. This large city provided endless opportunities for inspiration." In 2008, he left the Big Apple (also known as New York) and moved to California, the year the financial markets collapsed. The subprime crisis, Wall Street, Bernard Madoff... The financial world was going through its dark times times. And this was reflected in Alec's work and his career skyrocketed. "It was my way to articulate what happened this year." His work began to bear fruit when it began to spread online among street art lovers and people themselves. he was nicknamed Alec Monopoly.
Since then, he began to depict the little banker in any suitable situations... His rich, intense works, using this symbol - known throughout the world - are full of humor. At the same time, Alec Monopoly turned his attention to contextualizing other icons that are popular in the culture. Scrooge McDuck, Richie Rich... Today the art of a master is very expensive. A-list stars such as Seth Rogan, Adrien Brody and Robert De Niro buy his paintings.
With success, his relationship with drawing changed. "I was crazy when I was young. I drew trains, buildings..." Has time pacified Mr. Monopoly? Not really. "I'm still addicted to graffiti. I still have the need to quickly paint over something with graffiti whenever the opportunity arises. Street painting remains my greatest passion."
And Tag Heuer director Jean-Cloud Beaver took his word for it! A few months ago, in Switzerland, he decided that Alec would not only become an Art Provocateur for the watch brand to bring new colors through his creativity, but also show a completely different side of himself, on the street, to represent the Tag Heuer boutique located in in the heart of Miami's Design District, as part of the creative atmosphere of the famous World Week art.
Alec Monopoly says: "I've also always had a passion for wristwatch. I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring my creative ideas to TAG Heuer. This is a great chance to combine my artistic abilities with my love for watchmaking masterpieces."
Jean-Cloud Beaver comments: "Being first, being unique and being different has been my philosophy for the past 40 years. Now teamed with Alec, I want to not only bring the brand to younger generations, millennials, but also to discover new horizons."
The controversial street artist Alec Monopoly drew this specially for the site. unusual portrait the new American it-girl Sofia Richie, and Liana Satenstein recorded what they talked about during the session.
Photo: Dusan Reljin. Hair: Leonardo Manetti. Makeup: Anne Kolhagen. Production: Eli MizrahiPhoto: Dusan Reljin; Courtesy of Alec Monopoly Alec Monopoly
Today, in a New York studio on Chelsea Piers, two people meet who managed - albeit in completely different ways - to become stars of social networks. On the one hand, there is the rising it-girl 17-year-old Sofia Richie, the daughter of singer and composer, author of multi-platinum albums Lionel Richie, the sister of the first it-girl of the early 2000s, Nicole Richie.
Today is her turn to be in the spotlight. Sofia is being hunted by the paparazzi, her fan club is constantly growing, and the number of followers on Instagram is about to reach a million: both of them like the way she combines things Saint Laurent with casual clothes. Now Sofia is finishing her school course with private teachers and is going to enter Parsons School of Design to study fashion and then launch her own clothing brand.
On the other hand is street artist and graffiti master Alec Monopoly, who is not at all ashamed of his love for everything flashy. Justin Bieber of the art world. Non-trivial murals and paintings, improvisation on the theme contemporary art early 2000s and bold social position attracted the attention of stars to him, in particular rapper Future and socialite Khloe Kardashian, who can easily go out in the evening with a Birkin bag decorated by him.
At first, Monopoli seems to crave everyone's attention: he shines like a new penny - he is dressed from head to toe in Philipp Plein, he has numerous gold chains around his neck, and a massive watch with diamonds on his wrist. But in reality, everything is completely different: Monopoli is afraid of the police and never appears in public with his face open. The happy owner of a Rolls Royce and an address in Beverly Hills prefers to remain in the shadows, as at the very beginning of his journey. He sold his first painting in high school for $500, and became famous and acquired the pseudonym Monopoly during the financial crisis in 2008, when he first made his signature graffiti of the old man in a top hat from the game Monopoly.
What brought Richie and Monopoly together? Richie will pose and Monopoly will paint her portrait in the artist's typically dazzling, vibrant style. They chat with each other as they go, and Monopoly even takes a break to cover Sofia's shoes with paint and writing. "Super!" - she admires. When the shoot comes to an end, they do joint photo for Instagram. And then “likes” pour in like an avalanche on both of them, like money in Monopoly.
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Alec Monopoly: Where did you grow up?
Sofia Richie: In Beverly Hills. And you?
A.M.: In NYC. I was constantly getting into trouble there because of my graffiti. Four years ago, I even had to flee to Los Angeles when the cops raided my studio. I hopped on a train to New Jersey and then continued on. Six months later I was finally caught, and I had serious problems. That's why I hide my face: my graffiti is illegal.
S.R.: How has your family influenced you?
A.M.: My mother is an artist, so I learned to draw along with reading. What about your relatives? S.R.: My father and sister are workaholics who love their work. And - although this may be hard to believe - they didn’t help me at all. So I started looking for myself and making my own way.?
A.M.: I think he's cool. I love to draw, and thanks to him, I had the opportunity to take a portrait of my friend and show my work to a new audience. I'm very happy about this.
S.R.: What do you think about our obsession with social media?
A.M.: I'm a fan of social networks - I spend all my time on Snapchat and Instagram. Both here and there I am Alec Monopoly - I try not to invent anything complicated. Typically, I paint my graffiti on the streets or in art galleries, and people are scattered all over the world, and most of them do not go to galleries. Through social media I can show my work a large number of people. How do you feel about your popularity on social networks and everyone’s attention?
S.R.: This is a new feeling for me, I’m interested. And it’s not easy, because now my every move is being watched. But I still like it: now I can influence many people. Why do you prefer to remain anonymous?
A.M.: This is how the world of graffiti works. People ask me all the time: “Why do you hide your face?” People don't understand that I try to remain anonymous. Anonymity means the freedom to draw where you like, despite all the rules and laws. And at the same time, you don’t have to be afraid that you will be arrested, because no one knows who you really are. I was constantly getting into trouble because of my graffiti. Four years ago, I even had to run away when the cops raided my studio.
Recently, the famous graffiti artist Alec Monopoly visited Moscow, whose signature character Mr. Monopoly has gained many fans around the world in just a few years.
Alec was invited to serve on the jury of the exhibition-competition "Viber Sticky Fingers 2: My City, My Vibe" and despite all his busyness, he still found time to chat with The Vanderlust: he told how he sees the tasks of street art, shared the names of his favorite artists, his impressions of Moscow and gave some advice to beginners.
About calling
To be honest, I never really studied anywhere. My mother is an artist, and I adopted all the techniques of correct drawing, various methods of comparison and spatial analysis from her. Not to no avail, as it turned out. As a child, I loved surfing, and once my painting of the ocean was sold at a school exhibition for $500!
And although at that time I spent all my money on nonsense like candy, at that moment I had a clear understanding that my passion for drawing could not only become my life’s work, but also - lo and behold! - bring good income.
About art and idols
Modern graffiti, in my opinion, is something like a constantly developing organism that is sensitive to changes in society. Sometimes entire brands are born from street creations, and it becomes new page in the development of art. We live in very interesting times!
Of course, there are many authors whose work is known throughout the world, and they cannot help but inspire. But the main names for me are Basquiat and Banksy. After all, Basquiat first became famous as a graffiti artist, and already in the 1980s he became a successful neo-expressionist and, by the way, was the first to realize the dream of all graffiti artists to exhibit in museums.
The fact is that museum and gallery audiences are inaccessible to us; this is both reaching a new level and gaining recognition from the cultural elite - what I dream about. Well, Banksy... He is simply a god, an unattainable ideal in the struggle for social values.
Mr Monopoly
Unlike most graffiti artists, who prefer large-scale abstract canvases, I like to work with specific characters, around whom the viewer’s attention is subsequently concentrated. It is also important that for me personally, street art is not just art, but a social protest, a call to action.
I started drawing my Mister during the 2008 crisis, and it so happened that my reaction to what was happening in society resulted in what I am doing now.
About inspiration
Of course, nothing inspires more than a declaration of love in hundreds of languages, in thousands different ways! I witnessed this at the Sticky Fingers sticker art competition, where I had the honor of judging artists and creative folks from all over the world who created stickers inspired by their favorite cities. By the way, the competition has already been held twice, and in both cases the winners were from Russia - that’s partly why I’m here.
In Moscow, I visited the Museum of Modern Art, the Kremlin, and it inspired me so much that I decided to depict St. Basil's Cathedral on the walls of VINZAVOD. I think it turned out cool, and we spent a long time selecting paint so that the background would exactly match the color of the Kremlin walls. True, after this work I immediately fell asleep, as if all the energy had been sucked out of me, such a dog cold! How do you live here?! But I really want to return to Moscow in the summer, perhaps with a personal exhibition.
I myself am from New York and love this city very much, but I still chose the sunny coast of California for my permanent activities. The reason is simple: you can do graffiti there all year round. I have my own studio in my house in Beverly Hills, by the way, I live next door to the singer Taylor Swift. I go out “hunting” early in the morning, and sometimes at 3 a.m., and usually choose areas with industrial buildings. At this time, the city is in the grip of silence: a choir of morning birds sings, signals from utility services are heard - best time for inspiration.
And also fantastic, perhaps the most best city for street art in terms of creative freedom - Berlin. I love it precisely because the authorities are loyal to manifestations of street art. You're driving around the city, you like the wall and the location - you start working right away. In America, the legislation in this regard is very difficult, so I paint at night and in deserted areas. Although, of course, graffiti, like any social protest, exists on the verge of vandalism... I myself have been to the police more than once, once they even found me based on fresh traces of paint, and I barely escaped by jumping into a garbage chute.
Tips for beginners
For those who are just taking their first steps in the direction of street art, I would advise them to start by observing the work of other artists as much as possible. Moreover, there are now many different graffiti communities; in Moscow, for example, the international community Secret Walls has existed for a year.
Recently they staged a large-scale battle in the Brewing Shop, where the most famous Moscow graffiti artists presented their works. It is at such events that you can meet bright representatives of this world, receive practical advice and exchange experiences.
