Pavel Pukhov

Known as the “Russian Banksy”

Pavel Pukhov, more known as Pavel 183 or P 183, is one of the most recognized and acknowledged street artists of Russian decent. There is little information about Pavel’s artistic path let alone his personality. He meticulously protected incognito always hiding his face on the videos and wearing balaclava during the interviews. The only details he shared with us on his web page were about his Moscow decent and graduation in communication design.

He received international acclaim after the Guardian had run an article about street art movement in Russia calling Pavel 183 “Russian Banksy”. However, it would be unfair to consider Pavel 183 a mere follower and imitator.

During his short art career (Pavel died at the age 29) he managed to elaborate his own aesthetics.He worked with different means, not only creating outstanding graffiti using aerosol paints, but also arranging installations and performances. At first, Pavel was discontented with the continuous comparisons with Banksy but later on, he appreciated it and invented the other nickname — Bankski. After the premature Pavel’s death in 2013 Banksy dedicated a work P183 R.I.P to the memory of the Russian street artist. It is a representation of a spray paint can with the flame, which resembles a burning candle.

Pavel Pukhov