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Cheba (°1983, Bristol, United Kingdom)

Cheba is a prominent British street artist and abstract painter, widely recognised as a key figure in Bristol’s thriving street art culture. Born and raised in Bristol, England - a city renowned as a global hub for urban art - Cheba emerged in the early 2000s as a pioneering force within the genre. His work, characterised by vibrant cosmic themes and bold abstraction, bridging the raw energy of street art with the dynamic complexity of contemporary abstract painting, earning him international acclaim.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Growing up in Bristol’s eclectic and creative environment, Cheba was immersed in a cultural landscape shaped by art, music, and skateboarding. This vibrant backdrop, coupled with the city’s legacy of street art profoundly influenced his artistic development. He began painting the streets in the early 2000s, quickly becoming captivated by the immediacy and accessibility of spray paint as a medium. What started as rapid, street-ready designs evolved over time into a distinctive style that fused bold colours, cosmic imagery, and an exploratory approach into abstraction.

Cheba’s early works were rooted in Bristol’s underground graffiti scene, where he honed his craft alongside a community of pioneering artists. His dedication to the city’s creative ethos is evident in his lifelong commitment to Bristol, a place he still calls home, and his collaborations with local talent. By the age of 19, his unique visual language had begun to garner attention beyond Bristol, marking the start of a prolific career.

Artistic Style and Evolution

Cheba’s art is heavily inspired by space, magic, and the unknown, often featuring swirling galaxies and star clusters that have evolved into increasingly abstract forms. His signature “nebula funk” style - once a blend of representational cosmic imagery and expressionism - has shifted over recent years toward pure abstraction, emphasising bold colour fields, fluid shapes, and emotional depth. While spray paint remains a cornerstone of his practice, complemented by acrylics, his focus has moved toward expansive, abstract compositions that invite viewers into uncharted visual territory.

This evolution reflects Cheba’s current artistic direction, where abstraction takes center stage. His recent pieces distill the spontaneity of his street art roots into sophisticated, gallery-ready works that explore the interplay of colour, form, and imagination. This shift has redefined his practice, positioning him as a leading voice in contemporary abstract art while retaining the gritty energy of his origins.

Career Highlights and Exhibitions

Cheba’s career is marked by an impressive portfolio of public murals, solo exhibitions, and collaborative projects. He has painted large-scale works on buildings across Bristol and beyond, including notable commissions like the Full Moon pub on Stokes Croft and a sculptures for the Gromit Unleashed trail, one which was displayed at Harvey Nichols. His international presence grew through exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Royal West Academy of Arts (RWA) in Bristol, the House of Commons in London, and art fairs across the UK and New York.

A standout moment came in 2019 when he was selected as the official artist for MINI’s 60th anniversary, designing two cars that toured Europe and are now housed in the BMW Museum in Munich alongside works by icons like David Bowie and Andy Warhol. His solo show, Beyond the Pale Blue Dot (November 2014), showcased his early abstract leanings with mixed-media works reflecting on humanity’s place in the cosmos. Cheba has participated in over 40 exhibitions worldwide.

Among his high-profile collaborations, Cheba partnered with Jo Malone and Poppy Delevingne to create limited-edition, hand-finished boxes for her signature fragrance. These bespoke pieces, featuring his distinctive designs, were showcased in Jo Malone and Selfridges stores across the UK, blending luxury branding with his artistic flair. His past clients also include an eclectic mix of global names such as The NFL, BMW, Puma, Red Bull, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Reebok, Montana Cans, The Cocktail Club, Channel 4, Purling Luxury Chess Boards, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Kurtis Blow & The Furious Five, Freddie Flintoff, Alderney Children’s Hospital, and many more, reflecting his broad appeal across industries and cultures.

Beyond painting, Cheba has contributed to Bristol’s cultural fabric as a curator and promoter. In 2008, he launched Weapon of Choice, a club night featuring live graffiti that evolved into a gallery space championing local and international street artists. He also played a key role in Banksy’s Bristol (2007), serving as art director for the book and Children of the Can; 25 Years of Bristol Graffiti celebrating the city’s street art and graffiti heritage.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Cheba’s commitment to social good is evident in his charitable endeavours. His sculptures for public art trails like Gromit Unleashed and Wow Gorillas raised significant funds respectively at auction, ranking among the highest sales. He has also supported Bristol’s city hospitals and other charity’s through donations from art sales, reflecting his belief in art’s power to uplift communities.

Legacy and Influence

With over two decades of work, Cheba remains a beloved and influential figure in Bristol’s art scene and beyond. His shift toward abstraction invites viewers to explore new dimensions of colour and form, while his innovative spirit continues to inspire emerging artists. Whether transforming urban landscapes or captivating gallery audiences, Cheba’s journey from Bristol’s streets to global recognition underscores his enduring impact as a visionary artist.

Cheba resides in Bristol, where he continues to evolve his practice, focusing on abstract works that blend the raw roots of street art with the limitless possibilities of contemporary painting.