Rich Simmons is a British contemporary artist known for blending the rebellious energy of street art with the bold visuals of pop art. His self-defined genre, Pop Punk Art, merges the DIY ethos of punk culture with the graphic precision of comic books, resulting in a body of work that is as visually striking as it is culturally resonant.
Entirely self-taught, Simmons rose from the underground art scene by forging his own path — painting on city walls, building a global following, and eventually exhibiting in prestigious galleries worldwide. His work fuses hand-cut stencil techniques with a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic, creating pieces that challenge, excite, and provoke thought.
Inspired by icons like Leonardo da Vinci and Stan Lee, Simmons approaches his art as both an inventor and a storyteller. His pieces often explore themes of identity, duality, and society’s contradictions, offering a layered narrative beneath each bold surface.
Beyond the canvas, Simmons is also the founder of Art Is The Cure, a mental health movement he launched in 2008. Driven by his own experiences, he uses his platform to champion the transformative power of creativity, inspiring thousands to turn pain into purpose through art.
Described as a visionary, a cultural disruptor, and a dynamic communicator, Rich Simmons bridges generations with his work — resonating with collectors, communities, and anyone who believes art can be a catalyst for change.
2023 London - Quintestencil - Solo Show
2022 Taglialatella Gallery, New York - Solo Show
2021 VW Contemporary Gallery, Greenwich Connecticut – Group Show
2021 Taglialatella Gallery, New York – Group Show
2020 Galerie Sakura, Paris – Group Show
2020 Old Bank Vault Gallery, London – Group Show
2020 Miller Gallery, Cincinnati Ohio – Group Show
2020 Hampton Galleries, Montreal – Group Show
2019 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - Arkansas – Group Show – Men of Steel, Women of Wonder
2019 San Antonio Museum of Art - Texas – Group Show – Men of Steel, Women of Wonder
2019 Addison Gallery of American Art - Massachusetts – Group Show – Men of Steel, Women of Wonder
2019 Struck Contemporary, Toronto – Group Show
2019 Box Galleries, London – Solo Show –Imaginarium
2018 Imitate Modern, London – Group Show – Pop Rocks
2017 Box Galleries, London – Solo Show –Pop Provocateur
2017 Soho Contemproary Art, New York - Solo Show - Self Titled
2016 Self Promoted, London – Solo Show – Reflections
2015 Soho Contemporary Art, New York – Solo Show – Misfits
2015 CASS Contemporary Art, Tampa – Group Show – Corrosively Bright
2015 Artveras Gallery, Geneva – Group Show
2014 Soho Contemporary Art, New York – Solo Show – Studio 259
2014 Soho Contemporary Art, New York – Solo Show – London Calling
2014 Imitate Modern, London – Solo Show – Kryptonite
2013 Imitate Modern, London – Solo Show – The Inner Outsider
2013 Baku, London – Solo Show – Pop up Showcase
2012 Imitate Modern, London – Solo Show – Just be You Tiful
2012 Imitate Modern, London – Group Show – Proud to be British
2012 Baku Museum of Modern Art, Azerbaijan – Group Show
2012 Opera Gallery, London – Group Show
2011 Opera Gallery Pop Up Show, London – Solo Show
2011 Opera Gallery, London – The Street Art Show
2011 Opera Gallery, London – Group Show
2010 Gallery Rouge, St Albans – Solo Show
2018 Christies, London – Charity Art Auction (achieved an auction valuation of £52,000)
2011 Bonhams, London – Urban Art Show (achieved an auction valuation of £8,000)
Rich Simmons is a rare force in contemporary art — a self-made, self-taught outsider whose work crashes through the boundaries of genre with unapologetic style. With a foundation in stencil and street techniques, Simmons has coined a genre all his own: Pop Punk Art. It’s a loud, luminous blend of pop art and punk rock, equally inspired by Blink-182 and Banksy, with the slick visual impact of comic books and the raw emotional undercurrent of subculture.
What sets Simmons apart isn’t just his aesthetic — it’s his philosophy. A storyteller at heart, he carries the narrative DNA of Stan Lee and the visionary curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci. His works are more than striking visuals; they’re layered, conceptual pieces that invite deeper inspection. Beneath the punchy colours and bold compositions lie social commentary, existential curiosity, and cultural critique.
Like da Vinci — once described as a “blithe societal misfit” — Simmons operates on the fringes, thriving as an innovative disruptor in a traditionally gatekept industry. He forges his own path, refusing convention and building a career that reflects the ethos of punk itself: DIY, defiant, and deeply personal. His art isn’t just something to look at — it’s something to feel, think about, and talk about.
2023 Prestige Awards - Contemporary Artist Of The Year - Winner
2022 Prestige Awards - Contemporary Artist Of The Year - Winner
2022 NFT NYC Best Artist - Finalist
2022 NFT NYC Best Emerging Artist - Finalist
2020 Autfest Texas Autism Film Festival - Short Documentary - Winner
2020 Impact Docs Awards - Short Documentary - Winner
2020 Malaysia Mental Health Film Festival - Short Documentary - Finalist
2020 Malaysia Mental Health Film Festival - Short Documentary - Finalist
2020 NYC Mental Health Film FestivalL - Official Selection
2020 Lift Off Film Festival - London, LA, Toronto - Official Selection
2019 Croydon Business Excellence Awards - Commended
2013 HP Smart Business Awards - Social Media - Highly Commended
2009 Vinspired Most Inspirational Young Volunteer - Winner
2009 Princes Trust Young Ambassador Of The Year - Finalist
“His style and aesthetic are truly impressive. Stencil street art beyond the stencil and the street. Watch out for this dude…”
Mark HOPPus, Blink-182
“The art itself could very well be described as a successful fusion. His representations of familiar figures, both real and fictional, allow Simmons to construct narratives, sometimes in only a single frame. What Rich Simmons produces is definitely art, from the street to the gallery enthusiasts of all stripes respond to his work. Simmons is proving that passion, dedication and a wide variety of influences can create engaging cross-cultural art.”
DecOmPOz Magazine
“Rich Simmons is part of a new wave of street artists emerging from the UK. As a self-taught artist, he uses an intricately detailed stencil style to convey his irreverent sense of humour.”
1884 Magazine
"By implementing modern mentality to throwback imagery, Rich Simmons makes art that will make you blush."
INKED Magazine
“Simmons bold and beautiful work certainly stands out from the street art crowd despite employing many of its conventions. Somehow, in his hands, the use of montage and slogans feels fresh and new.”
HuffingtOn POst
“Art Professionals are following Rich Simmons progress closely. It is a strong possibility that buying his work now could turn out to be a great investment.”
Jean-David Malat, JD Malat Gallery
