Oliw87 - Chanel or die

Tobias Ekman, better known by his artistic pseudonym Oliw87, is a Swedish artist rooted in the graffiti scene and firmly anchored in the visual language of urban culture. His interest in graffiti awakened early, and by the age of twelve he had already begun exploring the forms and expressions of street art. Over time, his creative work shifted from city walls to canvases and gallery spaces.
Ekman’s artistic practice unfolds at the intersection of street art and contemporary art, where iconic symbols are fused with raw energy and direct expression. A defining duality runs through Oliw87’s work: the urban, spontaneous, and weathered stands in contrast to the material, glamorous, and controlled. His pieces often carry a layer of social commentary—sometimes loud, sometimes understated, but always marked by graffiti influences and the pulse of popular culture.
This contrast is particularly evident in the acclaimed series Chanel or Die, executed both on canvas and as street art across the world. Here, rebellion meets elegance as luxury brands collide with gritty urban textures. The series has reached international recognition, with works included in pop icon Madonna’s collection.
In parallel, Oliw87 has developed a more painterly direction in the series Batman from the Side. In these oil paintings, the iconic superhero—whom he has worked with since 2017—is reduced to silhouette and pure form. These works blend popular culture with classical painterly technique, exploring ideas of form, light, and identity.
The artist describes his driving force as a combination of a love for life’s pleasures and the creative chaos inherent in graffiti. For him, art is not meant to be perfect but to provoke thought, emotion, and curiosity. Materially, he works primarily with canvas, mixed media, prints, and editions.
Oliw87 has exhibited both solo and in group shows in Stockholm and Malmö, as well as participating in international contexts in New York and Miami. In 2021, Madonna acquired three original works, a purchase that drew attention in the international press.
With roots in graffiti, a capacity to move effortlessly between media, and a consistent engagement with bold symbols, rawness, and fearlessness, Tobias Ekman has established himself as one of the distinctive voices in Swedish contemporary art.
Crafoord Auktioner Stockholm now has the great honor of presenting an auction featuring nearly 40 original works by Oliw87. You are warmly welcome to the viewing—let yourself be inspired.