The artwork titled “Shadowman (34 E 12th Street)” was created by the artist Richard Hambleton in the year 1982. This piece belongs to the Street Art movement and falls under the graffiti genre.
The artwork showcases a dark, silhouette-like figure painted against a light-colored wall. The figure, composed entirely of black paint, appears to be standing confidently with its hands on its hips. The head of the figure is represented with expressive, almost skeletal white lines which contrast starkly against the inky body. The text “34 E. 12th St.” is visible to the right of the figure, serving both as a title and perhaps as a geographical marker. The overall appearance of the figure, with its almost ethereal outline, suggests a ghostly or shadow-like presence, characteristic of Hambleton’s evocative style. The surroundings, littered with small debris such as a can, reinforce the urban environment typical of street art. The minimalist yet powerful aesthetic of the piece makes a striking impact.
