Biography

Add Subtract – Hit ‘Em Up

British artist Andy Dennett, professionally known as Add Subtract, brings together over twenty years of experience in the music industry with a deep fascination for celebrity culture and the gritty beauty of urban decay. His work reflects the layered visual language of the streets, where torn posters, graffiti, and weathered surfaces tell stories of time, fame, and transformation.

From Music to Visual Art

Add Subtract began his creative journey in music, studying music production and sound engineering at the Academy of Contemporary Music in his hometown of Guildford. He later built a successful career as a DJ, performing at clubs and events across the UK. Alongside this, he ran his own record label and promoted emerging artists.

During this period, his interest in visual culture grew—particularly in rave flyers and posters, whose bold graphics and raw energy would later influence his artistic style.

Artistic Influences and Urban Inspiration

From a young age, Add Subtract drew inspiration from pop art and street art. Early influences included the explosive visuals of Roy Lichtenstein and the iconic imagery of Andy Warhol. In his late teens, he discovered street art pioneers such as Blek Le Rat, Banksy, and Mr Brainwash, which further shaped his creative direction.

Urban decay plays a central role in his work. Peeling paint, layered posters, stickers, tags, and crumbling walls form a visual backdrop that Add Subtract translates into his mixed-media compositions. These overlooked details become powerful aesthetic elements within his art.

The “Twisted Icons” Series

In today’s digital age, celebrity culture surrounds us. We consume the lives of public figures daily—their successes, failures, fashion, and personal stories. Add Subtract explores this phenomenon through his “Twisted Icons” series, focusing only on those individuals who have achieved true cultural impact or individuality.

Storytelling Through Mixed Media

Working in a contemporary mixed-media style, Add Subtract creates richly layered collage artworks that tell the stories of cultural icons. Each piece is carefully researched and crafted, often inspired by pivotal moments in the subject’s life. Hidden details, textures, and symbolic elements reward repeated viewing.

Every artwork invites the viewer to look closer, uncover meaning, and engage with the narrative beneath the surface—making Add Subtract’s work both visually striking and intellectually compelling.