Cosmo Sarson began his artistic journey working with oils and gouache, exploring themes deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. This exploration led to striking, almost trompe-l’œil depictions of breakdancers, skateboarders, and BMX riders. However, in 1997, after a solo exhibition on Regent Street, he put down his brushes and stepped away from the art world. During this period, from 1997 to 2009, he maintained friendships with emerging artists like Nick Walker and Ben Eine, who were then relatively unknown.

During his 12-year hiatus from fine art, Sarson worked as an art director in advertising before transitioning to a career as a scene artist in the film industry. His work ranged from painting large scenic backdrops to replicating old masterpieces as props, as well as creating murals and graffiti-style artworks. It was during this time, in what he later described as his “dark years” without a studio, that he first conceived the idea for what would become his most famous work: Breakdancing Jesus.

Following the student riots in Britain, Sarson shifted his focus to themes of civil unrest, creating a series of works that captured both the chaos of the rioters and the struggle of the police. Many of these pieces were inspired by dramatic photographs, with renowned photojournalist David Hoffman granting Sarson permission to use his images of the riots as source material. His riot-related artworks often experimented with unconventional materials, including high-visibility reflective surfaces for depictions of police forces. He also painted on textiles such as hoodies, denim, and tracksuits—materials intrinsically linked to the culture he was portraying.

Cosmo Sarson

British

Main

Artist

Printer

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Descent To Atlantis