Tributes have been paid to the graffiti artist Helch, whose large-scale roller-painted works were visible on motorway bridges, rooftops, and walls internationally. Michael Purdy, 34, died recently, with friends and fellow artists mourning his passing.
Helch's art gained widespread recognition, with pieces seen on major motorways in the UK, including the M4, M1, and M25. His work also extended beyond the UK, appearing in dozens of countries. In December, Purdy held a successful gallery show at BSMT Space in London, where his pieces reportedly sold for tens of thousands of pounds. His final social media posts featured a photo book titled "Lost But Living," documenting his work across 12 countries between 2022 and 2024.
One of Helch's most notable pieces was a 60-foot high white tag near Windsor Castle, which reportedly upset the late Queen Elizabeth II. Network Rail, the owner of the railway viaduct where the graffiti appeared, eventually removed it.
Fellow artists remembered Purdy for his dedication and distinctive style. Drum and bass DJ Doc Scott shared a tribute online, as did the graffiti magazine Frontline. Zonk DDS, a London-based graffiti writer, called him an "iconic British artist gone far too soon." The nationwide graffiti collective SMT crew described Helch as a "big figure" in the London and UK art scene.
"He is a legend and will be greatly missed in London and the UK," one artist told the Daily Mail. "He lived life on his terms and had in many ways what could be described as total freedom. He did not submit to a life of drudgery."
The circumstances surrounding Purdy's death have not been disclosed. He is survived by his friends and family, who are reeling from his sudden passing.