David Bruce: Art in motion
© Copyright - Vroom and Varossieau
By Christian Wabenga / January 15, 2025
Born in 1977 near Paris, David Bruce now lives and works in Liège, Belgium. His artistic journey began with an early immersion in the world of graffiti, which became the defining thread of his creative expression
From basketball to graffiti
© Copyright - Kolly Gallery
During his teenage years, David Bruce divided his time between basketball and train journeys through the Parisian suburbs. It was there that he discovered graffiti, an art form spreading across walls and train carriages. Intrigued by these vibrant murals, he started painting with friends—at first for fun, but soon with growing dedication. "What drew me in was the sense of freedom in tagging," he recalls.
In the 1990s, graffiti was still considered underground, often seen as an act of rebellion. But for Bruce, it was primarily a means of free expression, detached from societal expectations. He quickly gravitated towards painting on trains and metro carriages, eager to leave his mark on new surfaces and expand his creative playground.
Between image and painting: A natural evolution
Alongside his artistic career, David Bruce worked as a TV technician and later as a cameraman—a profession he enjoyed, as it allowed him time to paint. "I love images in all forms, whether video, photography, or painting," he explains. This versatility is evident in his work, which spans painting, ceramics, and artistic collaborations.
A minimalist and colourful style
Unlike the intricate, layered graffiti style of many street artists, Bruce takes a minimalist approach. His compositions are stripped back, his colours limited to a palette of no more than ten shades. "There are no outlines—everything is simple, yet instantly recognisable," he says. His canvases and ceramics depict iconic objects from his youth: basketballs, Nike sneakers, and other symbols of a generation deeply influenced by urban culture.
His inspiration comes from everywhere, his childhood memories, travels, museums or even from fashion magazines. The energy and spontaneity of graffiti remain central to his artistic process. "I love working on large formats, making broad, sweeping gestures—it’s a habit I’ve kept from graffiti," he adds.
Collaborations
© Copyright - Nike
David Bruce’s work has drawn attention beyond traditional street art circles (a term he dislikes, as he feels it doesn’t fully honour graffiti). He collaborated with Nike on a capsule collection of three T-shirts released internationally, with a new collection set to launch next summer.
Beyond Nike, Bruce has worked with other major brands on projects merging fashion and urban art. His unique, instantly recognisable style allows him to navigate between the worlds of street art and contemporary design. His works have been exhibited in several European galleries, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Yet, despite this recognition, he remains true to his roots. He continues to paint, to explore new mediums, all while preserving the playful and instinctive nature of his art. "There isn’t always a political message behind my paintings. They simply reflect who I am—a moment captured on canvas," he concludes.
© 2025 Wemoto Clothing, Europe
From his first clandestine tags to high-profile collaborations, David Bruce embodies a free and authentic vision of urban art—constantly evolving, always in motion, and always seeking new horizons. That, at Out the Lies, is something we deeply admire. David’s artworks are available for discovery and purchase at Wayne Café and Mazel Galerie in Brussels.