MAU MAU '#wishyouwerehere..'

Vertical Gallery is very proud to present ‘#wishyouwerehere..,’ the much-anticipated return of British graffiti legend Mau Mau. 

‘#wishyouwerehere..,’ on display July 11 through Aug. 9, wryly surveys the wreckage of a planet in epistemic freefall: a misinformation wasteland where seeing is no longer believing. The exhibition brings Mau Mau back to Chicago for the first time since 2019’s Vertical showcase ‘Bombing walls and painting bridges,’ his U.S. solo debut, and during the intervening years, the artist’s career-long preoccupations — social injustice, corporate greed and environmental catastrophe foremost among them — have grown even more pervasive, intensified by political and technological forces conspiring to tear apart the fabric of reality. 

Mau Mau’s work graces cityscapes, galleries and private collections the world over. His career is the subject of the retrospective ‘Talking Out of My Art,’ published in 2024 by Velocity Press; Mau Mau will be signing copies of the book during Vertical’s ‘#wishyouwerehere..’ opening-night reception, taking place Friday, July 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 2006 W. Chicago Ave. #1R (enter via the alley off Damen Avenue).

We have 25 copies of the standard-edition book, priced at $50 ea. signed by the artist; we also have 25 copies of a special edition featuring a custom wrap, stencil edition on card stock, and a stenciled tote bag - all exclusive to Vertical Gallery, priced at $195 ea. The special edition book is also signed and includes a stenciled image inside the book.