'Beyond the Wall' by Martin Whatson, 2021
Rare Printers Proof opportunity on a long sold out, iconic print from one of the world's most popular artists.
28 by 39.4 Inches
71 x 100 Centimeters
35-colour screen print on 300gsm Somerset Satin fine art paper with deckled edges.
Limited Edition of 250 (#PP/250)
Hand-signed and dated by the artist in white ink bottom right.
Hand-numbered with Graffiti Prints' blindstamp seal bottom left.
Also includes original Graffiti Prints COA.
ABOUT THE ART
In 'Beyond the Wall', Martin Whatson delivers one of his most recognizable visual narratives—contrasting muted reality with an explosion of color and possibility. A solitary child pulls back a draped, concrete-like surface to reveal a vivid, graffiti-saturated world beneath, transforming the act into both a literal and symbolic unveiling. The grayscale figure, rendered in Whatson’s signature stencil style, stands at the threshold between two worlds: one restrained and monochromatic, the other alive with energy, expression, and boundless creativity.
The work speaks to themes central to Whatson’s practice—curiosity, rebellion, and the power of perspective. By positioning a child as the agent of discovery, the artist reinforces the idea that imagination and openness are the keys to breaking through societal constraints. The graffiti beyond the wall is not chaos, but freedom—an unfiltered expression of identity and culture that exists just beneath the surface of everyday life.
'Beyond the Wall' encapsulates Whatson’s ongoing exploration of urban environments as spaces of hidden beauty and transformation. It invites the viewer to question what lies beyond the visible, encouraging a shift in perception: that within even the most rigid structures, there is always the potential for color, creativity, and change.
As a sold-out 2021 release, 'Beyond the Wall' represents a key period in Martin Whatson’s market trajectory, where demand for his editions sharply accelerated alongside his global exhibition presence. Works from this era—particularly those featuring his iconic “reveal” motif—have become increasingly difficult to source on the secondary market, with collectors actively seeking out standout compositions like this.
The combination of a highly recognizable image, limited availability, and Whatson’s continued rise as one of the leading figures in contemporary urban art positions this piece as both a visually striking acquisition and a compelling long-term hold.