URBAN ART: EXPANDING THE LIMITS OF CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSION

Decades after underground art started making its way above ground – at once narrowly and too broadly labeled as ‘street’ art - contemporary urban art challenges our notions of what city living is and looks like. Urban art is defined by those making it – transforming the chaos around them into beauty – and by their lack of access to the mainstream art world. But it did the work. And this multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary movement took its rightful place as an inspiring, respected genre recognised by dealers, collectors, and the press as one of the most important, innovative art movements of the 21st century.

Lisbon-based Underdogs has leveled the playing field for urban artists. A gallery, public art programmer, publisher, and advocate, they have impacted the art world, making creators’ oeuvres accessible.

Hennessy proudly supports Underdogs as they celebrate 10 years of shining the spotlight on urban art with a limited-edition book "Underdogs Artists – a decade [2010-2020]". This retrospective elevates the work of more than 150 artists and collectives – both Portuguese and international – with whom Underdogs has collaborated.

Not just a celebration of art, "Underdogs Artists – a decade [2010-2020]" is a labour of love. In 358 pages, and 569 exquisitely reproduced photographs, the book covers a ten-year period coloured by Underdogs’ love for urban art and dedicated support for those creating it. Established artists – like Shepard Fairey, with whom Hennessy has collaborated, New York-based Iranian artists Icy and Sot, and Vhils, an Underdogs founder and Hennessy limited edition carafe designer – share space with up and coming talents. It commemorates contemporary art at its indie finest.