An Alec Monopoly Aspen Event

The first Alec Monopoly Aspen event of 2021 took place this month at Eden Gallery. The February event, coinciding with Alec Monopoly’s birthday, was held in Eden’s new, sprawling 7,000 square foot exhibition space. For the private reception, Alec created custom ice sculptures and tagged several Hermes Birkin bags.
 

See more of Alec’s creations in his latest collection here.
 

A Notorious Artist

One of the world’s most sought-after celebrity graffiti artists, Alec Monopoly’s work gained notoriety after the 2008 market crash. Featuring the cartoon mascot of Uncle Pennybags, as well as characters like Richie Rich and Uncle Scrooge, his work takes a lighthearted approach, rather than the typical grim slant of street art, differentiating him from his contemporaries and giving his art a relatable quality.

 

Growing up in New York City with a classically trained painter as a mother, Alec Monopoly is a lifelong artist. Eschewing formal training for his pursuit of creating street art, he has established himself as one of the foremost artists of this genre.

Contemporary Influences

Alec Monopoly’s unconventional art appeals to the masses as bright illustrations of societal satire.

 

View Alec Monopoly’s full collection here.
 

Materials like newspaper clippings, spray paint, stencils, and varnish bring his vision to life, not only as street murals but on luxury items such as painted Hermès and Louis Vuitton handbags.
 

Monopoly in Aspen

Recently, Alec has created a series of Aspen-themed pieces for Eden Gallery in Aspen that personify the affluent ski culture that is Aspen: Scrooge McDuck, Richie Rich, and the Monopoly Man throwing cash out of the Silver Queen Gondola, or skiing down Aspen Mountain.

 

“When I do gallery shows in specific places, it’s nice to make a piece that relates to what’s going on here,” he said. “And it’s kind of like a souvenir from when you’re here with your family and you’re having great memories of your vacation.”
 

Although Alec Monopoly graffiti art can be seen in urban environments across the world, including in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Mexico, Europe, and Asia, he has yet to tag an outdoor wall space in Aspen.

Nevertheless, Alec Monopoly’s evolution as a studio artist continues, years after his move from the street into the gallery. “When I do gallery shows in specific places, it’s nice to make a piece that relates to what’s going on here,” he said. “And it’s kind of like a souvenir from when you’re here with your family and you’re having great memories of your vacation.”

You can browse Alec Monopoly’s full collection of mixed media art and sculptures here.