GRAFFLEX | Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025 | Sands Resorts Macao

Artist: GRAFFLEX

GRAFFLEX is South Korean artist known for his work in painting, public art, and art toys. Beginning in 2007 with a street graffiti aesthetic, he developed a bold, black-line style that fuses cartoon imagery, hip-hop, and street culture—creating a highly recognizable visual language and set of personal symbols. His distinctive style has earned him strong appeal among younger generations and widespread popularity with brands.

As his artistic practice evolved, GRAFFLEX began engaging in cross-disciplinary collaborations across fashion. He was the first Korean artist to collaborate with Be@rBrick and has worked with international brands and renowned IPs including NIKE, Sesame Street, and YG Bear. GRAFFLEX also serves as the Art Director for Amoeba Culture (one of Korea’s most influential hip-hop labels) and Coolrain Studio, contributing to numerous art toy and character design projects.

Beyond brand collaborations, GRAFFLEX has also deepened and enriched his artistic voice through solo exhibitions. To date, he has participated in over 80 group exhibitions and held four solo shows, establishing himself as one of the most internationally influential emerging artists from South Korea.

Artworks

God of Music (2025)

Fiber-glass, 210cm (H) CM

This is a cross-disciplinary creation that blends childhood memories, classical mythology, and street culture. GRAFFLEX brings together the Sesame Street character Bert, the Roman god of music Apollo, and modern urban music culture to create an imaginative artwork rich in cultural dialogue.

In GRAFFLEX’s childhood memories, Sesame Street was the first international television program he encountered, carrying deep emotional connections to friendship and growth. Among its characters, Bert stood out as he closely resembled one of GRAFFLEX’s childhood best friends, making the character especially meaningful to him. In this artwork, he chose Bert as the central figure, reimagining the typically rational and rigid character with a new identity and narrative—transforming him into a modern god of music.

GRAFFLEX also has a strong passion for music. He previously worked at a record label and has been deeply influenced by New York’s hip-hop culture. He believes that if Apollo, the ancient Roman god of music, were to exist today, he would likely be a DJ. Thus, he reinterpreted Apollo’s traditional lyre as a boombox, a symbol of street music culture.