The Real Hackney Dave
FAQ's
FAQ's
The Real Hackney Dave is a London-based contemporary artist celebrated for his bold, provocative and highly collectable statement artworks.
With a background in the advertising industry, Dave Buonaguidi brings a unique mastery of communication to his creative practice. His precision in pairing imagery with sharp, impactful phrases demonstrates a deep understanding of how words and visuals work together to influence, provoke and connect. Known for his playful, often irreverent approach, including the use of strong or confrontational language, his art taps into universal feelings, cultural anxieties and everyday humour.
Central to Buonaguidi’s process is his use of screen printing on found materials, such as vintage maps, old photographs, historic book pages, copper plates and reclaimed ephemera. These surfaces carry their own stories, which he overlays with unexpected materials like glitter, neon pigment, gold leaf and even pheromone spray. Each artwork becomes a fusion of nostalgia and modernity, an object with history transformed into a contemporary pop-inspired statement.
Influenced by pop art icons, political propaganda, the punk décollage aesthetic of Jamie Reid and a treasured propaganda book inherited from his Italian grandmother, Buonaguidi’s style is instantly identifiable. His work engages with themes of politics, media, popular culture, emotion and human behaviour, all delivered through a democratic, accessible visual language designed to resonate with a broad audience.
Dave has exhibited in major UK institutions, including the V&A Museum and the Imperial War Museum, and his work is highly sought after by private collectors. His collector list includes well-known figures such as Jamie Oliver, Kate Moss and Gordon Ramsay. Alongside his artistic practice, Buonaguidi is dedicated to philanthropy, raising significant funds for the NHS, Ukraine aid efforts and numerous London charities including Tottenham Food Bank.
Driven by the belief that art should connect, confront and communicate, Dave Buonaguidi continues to push boundaries, bringing humour, honesty and pop culture relevance to the contemporary British art scene.
Dave Buonaguidi, better known as The Real Hackney Dave, is a British contemporary artist recognised for his bold and innovative screen prints. Combining vintage imagery with modern, often humorous text, his works bridge nostalgia and contemporary commentary. Before becoming an artist, Dave spent over three decades in advertising, co-founding creative agencies and working as the Creative Director for Channel 4. His transition into the art world reflects his passion for blending storytelling with visual art.
Dave’s art stands out for its use of vintage materials such as old maps, postcards, and other ephemera, which he overlays with striking typographic phrases in bold, vibrant colours. His work often features fluorescent inks and playful or thought-provoking text, creating a juxtaposition that challenges the viewer to reconsider familiar imagery. Each piece is a conversation starter, blending historical context with contemporary ideas.
After a successful career in advertising, Dave sought a more personal and hands-on creative outlet. He discovered screen printing during a workshop at Print Club London, where he found a way to combine his love of design, text, and visual storytelling. This pivotal moment led him to pursue art full-time, using his expertise in communication to create works that resonate with a broad audience.
The excellent podcast A Class Of Their Own recently featured Dave which is well worth watching or listening to, to find out more about Dave's fascinating career.
Dave’s work often explores themes of nostalgia, modern consumerism, and social commentary. By repurposing vintage materials and combining them with bold, contemporary phrases, his pieces invite reflection on the contrast between past and present. His use of humour and satire adds an engaging layer to his commentary, making his art accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
Yes, Dave has been involved in several high-profile exhibitions, including solo shows like "Dave Buonaguidi Is Always A Good Idea," where he showcased his signature screen prints on vintage maps. His art has also been featured in prominent art fairs and is part of private collections around the world. Through collaborations and exhibitions, Dave continues to make an impact in the contemporary art scene.
