Pegasus

The Remarkable Journey of Pegasus: An Artistic Tribute

With a pristine British accent that one might never suspect from a former Chicagoan sports enthusiast, Pegasus, the street artist known for his evocative and sometimes controversial works, charms and captivates. His soft-spoken yet enthusiastic demeanor invites listeners to delve deeply into his fascinating story, often extending interviews far beyond the anticipated time.

Pegasus’ artistic journey began quite serendipitously. “I got my start as an artist kind of by accident,” he admits. Having always been artistically inclined and personally acquainted with Amy Winehouse, her untimely passing in 2011 deeply affected him. Seeking a way to pay tribute to his late friend, he ventured to an art store with the intention of creating a mural near her home, which was only two blocks away from his own. It was there that he stumbled upon spray paints and decided that a street art stencil would be the most fitting homage.

This first piece, intended as a personal tribute, unexpectedly garnered media attention and was mistakenly attributed to the renowned street artist Banksy. Banksy himself eventually clarified the matter, acknowledging the piece’s merit but denying authorship. “It was my very first piece. I had no idea what I was doing. It was literally just homage and paying tribute to my friend who had just passed away,” Pegasus reflects.

Inspired by this experience, Pegasus immersed himself in the world of street art and graffiti, frequenting skate parks and observing fellow artists. Through diligent self-teaching and practice, he honed his craft rapidly. His connection to Amy Winehouse continued through his work with the Amy Winehouse Foundation, contributing both his art and his time to support children battling addiction.

Pop culture has always been a significant influence on Pegasus’ work. He cites Andy Warhol as his greatest artistic inspiration, an admiration reinforced by frequent encounters with Warhol’s pieces at his manager’s framing company, which had once framed for Warhol himself. This close proximity to Warhol’s legacy fueled Pegasus’ passion for creating art that resonates with and inspires others.

Pegasus primarily works with spray paint acrylics, utilizing multi-layered stencils that he meticulously cuts and draws himself. His distinctive touch is often marked by the inclusion of diamond dust on the lips of his subjects, creating a sparkling effect under dim lighting.

Among the celebrities he has painted, Pegasus holds a particular fondness for icons such as Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball, the latter of whom is immortalized in his most prized possession: a framed, pink chiffon scarf that once belonged to Ball, complete with her lipstick stain.

Not one to shy away from controversy, Pegasus’ works often feature prominent figures in unexpected contexts. His depiction of Queen Elizabeth II in a Union Jack bathing suit, inspired by Geri Halliwell, sparked mixed reactions. “It’s not really a satire. It’s me paying tribute to her. A lot of people did take it the wrong way… but I made her look beautiful,” he explains. Despite the controversy, Pegasus reveals that the piece did reach the Queen, who reportedly found it amusing.

His provocative works extend to other members of the Royal Family, including Prince Harry and Kate Middleton, earning him a unique following that includes acquaintances of the Royals. These connections provide him with delightful updates on the reactions to his art, ensuring his pieces continue to provoke thought and laughter.

Pegasus’ celebrity-endorsed art is currently displayed at the Hollywood Museum, captivating audiences in the Blonde, Brunette, and Redhead rooms. His journey from a spontaneous tribute to a celebrated artist is a testament to his talent, passion, and the profound impact of his work. As Pegasus himself might say, his art offers a form of “2D time travel,” preserving and celebrating cultural icons for generations to come.