Named in Timeout’s Top 100 most influential UK creatives 2012, Tom Bingle, aka INKIE, has emerged as one of the most prolific graffiti writers in UK history. He has painted with some of the most notorious artists in the scene, including Banksy, Nick Walker and Massive Attack’s 3D. His work has been published in books such as Banksy’s Bristol, Children of the Can, Concrete Canvas, Street Fonts, 100 European Graffiti Artists and Graffiti World. His much sought after pieces have gained a celebrity following, as well as featuring in respected magazines such as Rolling Stone, GQ and Dazed & Confused, and graffiti documentaries, including the infamous ‘Bomb It’.
Inkie’s art is characterised by a unique collaboration of graffiti and figurative imagery. His widely recognised “Ink Nouveau’ style draws on Art Nouveau influences, with an unmistakable urban twist.
The inspiration for my chess set is iconic 1980’s film ‘Empire strikes back’ whose theme is good (Rebel Alliance) vs evil (The Imperial Empire). As a graffiti artist, I have used my style of painting for each of the pieces and the chess board.
Purling London Art Chess sets are individually hand painted by specially commissioned British and international artists and no two sets are the same. From established figures to rising stars of the Contemporary Art scene, Purling has collaborated with 30 artists to date, including Sophie Matisse, Inkie and Thierry Noir. Complete with a numbered certificate signed by the artist and our deluxe, Birds-eye maple boards; each hand-carved, triple-weighted Art Chess is a miniature sculptural masterpiece.
“When I look at our Art Chess sets, I see a contemporary painting over a three dimensional surface. I want to explore the pieces from every angle, look around them and hold them. As I play Art Chess I see a moving and evolving painting, with opposing colours and sides mixing and integrating. The game of chess is a creative art form in itself and for me, it is perfect to play it with a unique and beautiful set. ”
Simon Purkis, Founder, Purling London
