Risk Rock

Kelly “RISK” Graval

Pioneer. Visionary. West Coast Icon.

For over three decades, Kelly "RISK" Graval has been a central figure in shaping the Los Angeles art scene. As one of the original architects of the West Coast graffiti movement, RISK transformed underground street art into a globally recognized form of contemporary expression. From tagging freeway overpasses to exhibiting at major galleries and museums worldwide, his career is a testament to reinvention, rebellion, and enduring influence.

RISK’s work has been featured in landmark exhibitions such as Art in the Streets at the MOCA Los Angeles and the Beyond the Streets shows in both LA and New York. His art is represented in top-tier galleries in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Toronto, New York, and London—bridging the space between street energy and fine art finesse.

10 Things to Know About RISK

  1. Knighted by the Medici Family – Honored in Florence, Italy for his contributions to art and culture.

  2. Painted in Michelangelo’s Studio – The first artist in over 400 years invited to create in the same space as the Renaissance master.

  3. Trailblazer in NYC Graffiti – In 1987, at just 17, he hitchhiked from LA to NYC to paint subways, meeting legends like Lee Quiñones and Henry Chalfant.

  4. Started the West Coast Freight Train Movement – The first to paint full freight cars and spark a new form of mobile street art.

  5. Invented “Heavens” – First to tag freeway signs and overpasses in full color—later dubbed “heavens” by peers Wisk and Ser.

  6. Pioneered Full-Color Freeway Productions – Elevated graffiti into large-scale, freeway-visible muralism.

  7. World Graffiti Champion (1989) – Won the international title in England with fellow artist Slick.

  8. From Jail to USC Fine Arts – Risk studied fine art at USC after multiple arrests, eventually earning a scholarship and national recognition—even after being kicked out for painting a mural on the school roof.

  9. Cultural Collaborator – Worked with icons like Ice Cube, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Jackson, Shepard Fairey, Ron English, Ed Moses, and Futura. Aerosmith once said, “RISK is to graffiti what Aerosmith is to rock and roll.”

  10. Streetwear Pioneer Turned Full-Time Artist – Founded the influential Third Rail clothing brand, later walking away to raise his daughter and focus fully on fine art. After financial hardships, he built the now-legendary “West Coast Fun Factory,” a compound of studios, galleries, and creative spaces that hosts today’s top creators.