Blek le Rat (real name: Xavier Prou) is a pioneering French street artist, born in 1951 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Often hailed as the "father of stencil graffiti," he began his artistic career in the early 1980s. Blek le Rat's innovative use of stencils allowed him to create and replicate images quickly, which was ideal for the ephemeral nature of street art. His work often features rats, which he considers the only free animal in cities, symbolizing the marginalized and ignored in urban environments.
Influenced by the graffiti of New York City, Blek le Rat aimed to bring art to the public and make it accessible to all. His work spans social and political commentary, often highlighting issues such as homelessness and freedom. One of his notable contributions is the stenciled image of an old man, which he painted across Paris to raise awareness about homelessness.
Blek le Rat's influence extends globally, inspiring a new generation of street artists, including the renowned Banksy. Despite the illegal nature of his early work, he has gained significant recognition and respect within the art community. Today, his pieces are exhibited worldwide and sought after by collectors.