About the Artwork: This artwork is simply spectacular. There is so much movement and action through the organic swirling lines, leading the eye around the composition. Solid grounding is in place at the bottom, which leads you to several different planes of horizontal, landscape-style areas. Areas of ancient or other-worldly land masses and textured circular, three-dimensional shapes stand out. The shifting metallic pigment changes as you move around the artwork and we're drawn to the masked face at the top right of the painting, which is painted elegantly and in realism. The viewer can create their own story within this stunning artwork. 

About the Artist: 
Jacob Yikes (Jacob Ryan, born 1987), is a multi-disciplinary artist from Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. From his roots in graffiti as a teenager, Yikes has earned a position as one of the country’s most prolific and respected urban artists. After joining the renowned DTR Crew in 2014, his profile and output expanded and his ever-evolving and distinctive style has seen him headline an array of street art festivals across Aotearoa, including Rise, Spectrum, Paradox and South Sea Spray.

Developing a focus on his fine art and studio-based works, Yikes completed his Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts in 2010 and has been exhibiting in gallery settings since. His unique style and technical skill have seen him complete commercial campaigns with Cadbury, Parrot Dog Brewery and Fiasco Brewing, as well as collaborations with musicians Tom Scott and Mellowdowns.  His work has even extended to hospitality fit-outs, creating special effects in the interiors of several popular restaurants, such as Mexico in Christchurch. 

His ability to adapt his style to various subjects has given Jacob access to private commissions, from small-scale studio works to massive walls, both private and public. Commissions with the DTR Crew and OiYOU! Street Art includes Jacob’s largest wall yet, the tribute to iconic physicist Earnest Rutherford on the Hutchinson Ford Building in central Christchurch (2022).