Alec Monopoly: how an American graffiti artist conquered the world without revealing his face. Alec Monopoly: the success story of a graffiti artist

Alec Monopoly" (Alec Andon) is the pseudonym of an anonymous graffiti artist born in New York. The artist has worked in the urban environments of New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Europe and Asia, using a variety of materials (including stencils, epoxy paint, polishes and newspapers) 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 up 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 this famous game: a short elderly man in a cylinder hat by profession a banker. He draws it on the streets in various variations.

"When I started, I did graffiti in New York. This huge city provided endless opportunities for inspiration." In 2008, he left the Big Apple (also known as New York) and moved to California, the year financial markets collapsed. The mortgage crisis, Wall Street, Bernard Madoff... The financial world was going through its dark times. And this was reflected in Alec’s work and his career skyrocketed. "This was my way of articulating what happened this year." His work began to bear fruit when it began to spread online among street art lovers. And people themselves nicknamed him 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-listers 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 Art Week.

Alec Monopoly says: "I have also always had a passion for watches. I am delighted to have the opportunity to offer my creative ideas to TAG Heuer. This is a great chance to combine my artistic abilities with my love for masterpieces of watchmaking."

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."

Alec Endon is a contemporary artist working in the direction of street art, better known under the pseudonym Alec Monopoly. The general public does not know either the year of birth, or the exact address of residence (Alec let it slip that he lives next to Taylor Swift in Beverly Hills), or even the face of this person. 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 was a 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 plots - Mr. Monopoly, known to many from the 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 concrete character that is understandable to the public, rather than abstract paintings, and secondly, with his help, important social problems of modern society are raised.

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, due to the active opposition of the city authorities to graffiti and “vandalism,” the young man had to hide his face and personal information.

In various interviews, the artist noted his love for his 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 the move 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 newbie graffiti artists, Monopoli recommends paying attention to the work of more experienced street artists and constantly looking for areas for creativity and opportunities for further development. Participation in battles, competitions and interaction with the local and global graffiti community is what an aspiring artist needs.

One day I was playing Monopoly and saw on the news Bernie Madoff, a businessman and former chairman of the board of directors of the NASDAQ stock exchange, who in 2009 was sentenced to 150 years in prison for the largest financial fraud. I thought there was some irony in this, and after that incident I began to depict “Mr. Monopoly” in my works. And with him - Scrooge McDuck and Richie Richie. My works convey a positive message and symbolize wealth and prosperity. They also glorify life. One of my favorites is on a building in Camden Lock in London. Every day new photos of her appear on Instagram, I understand that thousands of people see her, and this brings great satisfaction. By the way, about Instagram. I can recommend two very inspiring accounts: @artlife and @taxcolletion - they are incredibly cool.

I love watches because it is part of fashion, another way of self-expression. This is especially important for me, because I have to hide my face.

It's funny how people recognize me with a mask on, but they don't recognize me without it... You can use a watch to show the world who you are. I love “expensive bling,” as my rapper friends call jewelry. It was thanks to them that I became interested in jewelry.

If an artist wants to spread his ideas, collaboration is a smart way to achieve what he wants. I think like a graffiti artist: it is important for me that my work appears in the busiest place in the city, where as many people as possible can see it. That's why I'm collaborating with TAG Heuer, a brand that is known and respected all over the world. I find working as an art consultant for TAG Heuer very cool. This 360-degree partnership is, to me, like a marriage. On the one hand, I am a brand ambassador, I wear their watches, I attend events. On the other hand, I work at a factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds - they gave me a separate studio there - I come up with a new watch design. And finally, I transform TAG Heuer boutiques into art galleries.

Just imagine: a Swiss watch boutique in the format of a graffiti gallery!

Mr. Biver (Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of the Board of TAG Heuer - MC) truly understands how an artist works. Therefore, the company trusted me and gave me the freedom to do what I saw fit. Almost all of my ideas, which I talked about at the very first meeting with Mr. Beaver and Valerie (Valérie Servajon, marketing director of the brand - MC), were implemented. We're still working on the rest. For example, the preparation of our joint exhibition at MAMM, which took place in July, took a whole year.

I can tell you one funny story. Seth Rogen, comedian and screenwriter, once had dinner at a Japanese restaurant next to which there is my mural. Through my website I receive a letter: “I want to buy a print of this work.” I see that the letter is from Seth Rogen, and I think: wait, is this the same Seth Rogen? It turned out to be the same one. I called him to my studio and told him that instead of a print, I would make a canvas for him. Then I lived in Sean Combs's mansion in Beverly Hills, in a guest house. Seth arrives and says, “Wow, you live here? I need to become a street artist!” He was just like on the screen: very cheerful and pleasant, laughing all the time with his famous laugh.

ABOUT MYSELF AND CREATIVITY I was born in New York, but now I live in Los Angeles, V Beverly Hills, 90210 where my neighbor is Taylor Swift. My mother is an artist, so I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. It was she who instilled in me a love for painting. Since school I have been pursuing my dream and achieved it. I really love what I do, and I don’t consider it work, it’s my passion, thanks to which I live. ALEC'S DAY I wake up around 12-13 o'clock, then I call my friends, we go to lunch, where we relax and chat. Then I return home and work in the studio, after which I go for a ride on my Rolls-Royce and take photos for Instagram And Viber Public Chat. (Laughs). Then I return home, go to bed, wake up at three in the morning and go paint graffiti on the street, because at that time it is very quiet and there is no one.

HOBBIES When I'm at Los Angeles, I like to walk with my dog, just relax, but most of the time I'm always drawing. ABOUT MOSCOW I really liked it here, but it’s always cold here. In addition, I worked a lot here and was a judge in the competition Viber's Sticky Fingers. In general, I came here for the mysterious Russian soul and painted graffiti, of course. As for Russian cuisine, it is very tasty. I especially liked the soups (borscht) and beluga caviar.

ADVANTAGES I am a very talented artist. (Laughs.) I also have skillful hands, so I always get clear and even lines. DISADVANTAGES I fall in love too quickly, so I often get my heart broken, but this inspires me and is immediately reflected in my work. I am also a very generous person, and many people take advantage of this. So now I choose my friends more carefully. I also don't sleep and work a lot.

WHAT CAN TOUCH YOU When I fly on a plane, I become very emotional, and if I also watch a sad film during the process, I start to cry. I usually don’t cry, but on the plane, I don’t understand why, it happens. FAVORITE MOVIE "Step Brothers" With Will Ferrell And John Riley. WHAT ARE THEY AFRAID OF: Going to jail. I've been detained for graffiti before, and I really didn't like it there.

WHAT DOES YOU DREAMS ABOUT? All my dreams are coming true. For example, I dreamed of exhibiting in the Museum of Modern Art, now my works are in Bangkok and will soon be in Moscow. I dreamed of being in Russia, V Moscow- and I’m here. But I believe that dreams love silence, so I’ll tell you more when they come true. MOTTO IN LIFE Be a worthy person, an excellent artist and inspire other generations. WHO INSPIRES Andy Warhole, Basquiat And Keith Harron. They painted graffiti and were able to take their art into galleries and museums, which is also my dream.

APPRECIATES Honesty in PEOPLE! WHAT I DO NOT LIKE TO SPEND MONEY ON In general, I spend a lot of money. But I would never buy cheap or fake clothes Rolex, For example. FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN I tried to be friends with girls, but it doesn’t always work out. However, I have a close friend.

PERSONAL LIFE Now I am single. My previous girlfriend was a model, each of us was constantly traveling, so it was very difficult to maintain a long-distance relationship. Now I need a loved one next to me. GIRL OF DREAMS This is a pretty girl with beautiful eyes, a thin waist, not too tall (just because I'm not very tall), with good teeth and skin. She should also love hugs and other kindnesses, as well as be patient and be able to forgive. WHAT ANNOYS ABOUT GIRLS Jealousy. I want to be trusted. I also can’t stand it when a girl has absolutely no taste in clothes. I like stylish young ladies.

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 this becomes a 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 is more inspiring than declaring your love in hundreds of languages, in thousands of 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 dominated by silence: the choir of morning birds sings, the signals of utility services are heard - the best time for inspiration.

And another fantastic, perhaps the best city for street art in terms of creative freedom is 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.