Culture

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

An Israeli graffiti artist who has gone from unpaid street art as a hobby to selling his works for up to £65,000 will be meeting his fans at Dorchester’s Halo Fine Art this month. Yuvi, 43, who lives just outside Tel Aviv, has practised his art for decades. But until seven years ago he earned his living through graphic design.

People started to get to know his work and seven years ago he turned professional, gathering fans all over the world. Among his top influences is British pop culture, with the Queen and Winston Churchill being among icons he regularly paints –along with the Union Jack. He said: “Especially England is one of the countries I like the best. “Since a child I loved the culture, the buildings and the iconic people. “One of my favourite people is the Queen of course – I used to paint her all the time and put her in all my pieces. I love Winston Churchill and I love the stories about the kingdom. “I tour in England all the time – it’s a big privilege and I am very grateful as it’s the place I love to visit.”

Yuvi tours the world, exhibiting his works in the USA, Milan, Hong Kong and Dubai, Singapore,