Just because it’s not in a gallery...

...doesn’t mean it’s not art.

Just because a man isn’t celebrated...

...doesn’t mean he isn’t an artist.

ABOVE

ABOVE is an American contemporary street artist who keeps his identity concealed. His artwork is noted for often carrying political or social messages. One of his artistic trademarks is the use of an arrow.

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARROWS

Above uses the arrows to represent overcoming obstacles, rising “above” (hence the pseudonym) and generally pushing oneself to being the best they can be.

Arrows can have multiple purposes, according to Above, it is an inspirational symbol.

BIOGRAPHYLimited information is known about Above, due to his anonymous persona. However, it is believed that he was born in 1981, making him either 29 or 30 years old. He has been active as an artist since 1995, beginning with traditional graffiti. He became a more recognised artist in 2001, when he moved to Paris, France and introduced his brand of street art to the French, including his now famous arrow logo.

Above has travelled the world to express his various designs to a variety

of cultures

Alaska

Istanbul, Turkey

Barcelona, Spain

Machu Pichu, Peru

Above has a very positive reputation within

the art community, particularly from the

Europeans. He uses a range of materials to

construct his arrows, including wood, fabric

and textiles. His ability and willingness to

place his artwork in such dangerously high

places have earnt him much respect from fans

and critics alike.

The nature of Above’s work has caused

some controversy, as while he is a

celebrated artist, legally much of his

artwork is actually illegal. Above states

that he has been arrested 10 times for

graffiti of public buildings.

Early 2000’s- Work in Europe

2003- Back to America

2005- Europe Again

Above has visited 26 countries over the past 6

years in what was known as his “sign

language” tour. The first below photo is from

2007 in Guatemala, and the second is from

2011 in Brisbane, during the aftermath of the

QLD floods.

Fanbase

While Above remains anonymous, he does

stay in contact with fans via his website

and travel blog. He does not have a

Facebook, MySpace or Twitter account, as

he designs artwork for the artistic

expression and has no desire for fame.

The few media interviews he has done have been by e-mail correspondence.

Reference ListVortex (2000), http://www.webdesign.org/img_articles/7044/colors.jpg, accessed 22/1/2011Silhouette (2010), http://www.clker.com/clipart-24011.html, accessed 22/1/2011Topping, D. (2007), Tall Poppy interview: Above, Toronto newspaper, http://torontoist.com/2007/06/tall_poppy_inte_45.php, accessed 25/1/2011Above (2011), Arrows, Arrows and More Arrows, http://goabove.com/arrows_arrows_and_more_arrows.html, accessed 25/1/2011Above (2011), Above Personal Website, http://www.goabove.com/, accessed 25/1/2011Earth (2010), http://www.opensecrets.org/news/earth.jpg, accessed 25/1/2011