KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON
Risk Rock, born Kelly Graval, is a pioneering graffiti artist whose fearless creativity has made him an icon in contemporary art. Hailing from Los Angeles, Risk was one of the first West Coast artists to push the boundaries of graffiti, painting everything from subway trains to freeway overpasses. In 1987, he became the first West Coast artist to paint New York subway trains, gaining attention from legends like Lee Quinones.
Risk also created the freight train movement on the West Coast and was a key figure in the Los Angeles freeway movement. His work garnered international acclaim, winning the 1989 World Graffiti Championship with partner Slick. He’s collaborated with cultural icons including Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N' Roses, and Michael Jackson, with Aerosmith calling him “the graffiti equivalent to rock and roll.”
Beyond graffiti, Risk pioneered streetwear with his brand, Third Rail, and later transitioned into full-time gallery work. He built the West Coast Fun Factory, a creative hub for artists, solidifying his influence on the art world. As Risk says, "KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON."
