BATES is one of the most influential graffiti artists to ever come out of Europe. Born in the early 70s in Copenhagen, he began writing graffiti as a young boy and by the mid-1980s had become one of the most prolific artists in Denmark. What followed was a career that would shape the global graffiti scene for decades.

He combines the traditional stylewriting developed in New York — the logic flow of letters, dynamic and swinging rhythms of shapes — with the sharp lines and graphic elements characteristic of Europe. The result is a style that feels both rooted in history and entirely his own. He has been invited to paint at major events and venues across Europe and beyond, all while maintaining the anonymity that defined early graffiti culture. The legend from Scandinavia is also a true master of tagging and handstyles.

As a special challenge, BATES has been painting not only his own sketches but also pieces based on outlines submitted by other graffiti writers as part of his ongoing “Style-Swap” project for several years. The results are remarkable, showcasing his ability to master a wide variety of styles while enriching each piece with his own distinctive touch and creative identity.

In recent years, BATES has taken his work from walls to galleries and onto canvas, bringing his iconic letterforms to new audiences without compromising the raw energy that built his reputation.

His first book was released in 1997 by ON THE RUN, followed nearly 30 years later by his second publication GRAFFITI BLACKBOOKS – BATES in 2025 through PUBLIKAT PRESS.

www.thebatesshop.com
@greatbates