1010 (pronounced as ten-ten) is a Hamburg-based contemporary artist widely renowned for his obscure street pieces underlined by amazing effects of optical illusion. This artist creates his urban confusions on walls all around the world, giving them unique aesthetics that make them seem like they are portals to other worlds. Although he has been active for more than a decade, 1010’s identity is shrouded in mystery, despite many attempts to find out who he exactly is – fortunately, this fact only makes his art seem more mysterious and adventurous.

Due to his decision to stay anonymous, not much is known about this artist’s past. Originally from Poland, 1010 came to Germany with his parents when he was about eight years of age. Interested in the digital world of creation, he explored the possibilities behind textures with an almost computer generated smoothness. 1010 made a practice out of creating three-dimensional damage-like shapes on walls, producing amazing pieces that trick the viewers into believing that there’s an actual hole set before them. These often huge op-art murals are so realistically done that it is hard to believe they do not have the depth of the third dimension. The process of making these kinds of artworks is very specific, which comes as no surprise when you consider the quality and complexity they possess. 

Avenue des Arts