10 Foot is more than just another shopper at Halfords; he's a graffiti artist extraordinaire, and his tale reads like an urban legend. Hailing from the Isle of Wight, his name isn't just a moniker; it reflects his towering stature. He's not shopping to pay, but to fuel his unstoppable creative drive.

One night's supply might set him back between £80 and £150, but 10 Foot adheres to a strict "buy-none-get-everything-free" approach when stocking up on graffiti essentials. Today, he's not just in search of paint; he's on a mission for timber to construct a makeshift grappling hook and rope ladder for a "high stakes" endeavor that remains a well-guarded secret.

10 Foot is elusive, even as he ranks among London's most prolific graffiti writers and enjoys global recognition. Major brands, music labels, and TV producers have offered him collaboration opportunities, most of which he's humbly turned down. His work can be found on Instagram pages with thousands of followers, and it has even made its way into unexpected places, like the background of adult videos and video games.

From Paris to Tokyo, from London to Los Angeles, 10 Foot's graffiti tags have graced cities worldwide. His tag, "10 Foot," is so ubiquitous in London that it's rumored to have appeared in a James Bond film and featured in the opening credits of the hit show Top Boy. He has a penchant for tagging bridges, overpasses, shutters, windows, bus stops, and London's extensive network of tracksides and train carriages.

Graffiti isn't mere street art for 10 Foot; it's a way of defying authority, avoiding arrest, injury, or worse. Graffiti writers like him often risk their lives for their craft. In fact, 10 Foot has spent time in prison for racking up £113,000 in criminal damage. Yet, even after serving time, he returns to the world of graffiti with an unwavering commitment.

What sets 10 Foot apart is his ability to "walk through walls." He is a member of the collective known as Diabolical Dubstars or DDS, which has successfully gained access to the London Underground's maintenance keys. This underground knowledge allows them to navigate the city's hidden passageways and tunnels, all while evading security and law enforcement. In 2012, DDS was responsible for more than £10 million worth of criminal damage.

But 10 Foot's journey is about more than just graffiti. It's about capturing the essence of a city undergoing transformation. He's witnessed London change over the years, with council estates being demolished and replaced by luxury developments. Despite the changes, 10 Foot remains committed to the graffiti subculture, preserving an art form that teeters between criminal liability and commercial acceptance.

Graffiti might be considered an addiction by some, but 10 Foot sees it as a deeply ingrained habit. His tall stature is well-suited for his craft, allowing him to reach difficult spots with ease. He's risked life and limb for graffiti, cutting his leg to the bone and continuing to paint, squelching in his own blood, without seeking immediate medical attention. His story reads like a modern-day legend, a daring pursuit of an unconventional passion.

As urban landscapes evolve, 10 Foot's work continues to make an indelible mark on the city he calls home. His artistic journey is a testament to the subculture's resilience, enduring despite ever-present challenges. In a world where graffiti is often associated with crime, 10 Foot stands out as an artist who dares to defy boundaries and redefine his surroundings.

10Foot

British

Main

Artist

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A-Z 2023 (Print)