London studio 2019. Photo Jordan Katz for Montana Cans
Pref is a British artist well known for his unique typographic murals and gallery works, incorporating an exploration of common words and phrases. The bending and twisting of letters means that an element of deciphering is introduced, the viewer being asked to disentangle words and meanings from the images.
“The wording for my pieces are usually auto- biographical. Like clues and relics from my past, or a commentary on current times. What it says and what it looks like, coming together to form a cryptic crossword type puzzle for the viewer to work out”.
Pref grew up in North West London and has developed his role and reputation as an international graffiti and mural artist for over 20 years, initially studying Design Communication at Chelsea Collage of Art and working as an art director before going on to focus full time on his art practice. The clear linear elements of his work and Pref's evolving interest in typography trespass across the borders of fine and graphic art in energetic and intriguing ways, and his work is highly regarded for its ingenious examination of the way we use and perceive lettering.
Recent collaborations include: Element Skateboards, Zippo, YMC London and Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi.