A world-exclusive exhibition charting the career of trailblazing artist Claudia Gold has opened at the Warrnambool Art Gallery.
Gold, who also goes by the name of Claw Money, is a renowned graffiti artist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur based in New York City. She gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as one of the few prominent women in the male-dominated world of street art. Her distinctive “claw” tag—a three-fingered paw-like symbol—became a recognizable graffiti icon across New York City.
The CLAW MONEY WORLD exhibition follows her career from her “paint and run” days of the early 1990s to her iconic collaborations with global brands like Nike, and her fashion label that counts Rhianna and Kendrick Lamar among its followers.
As well as looking back, it also features brand-new pieces Gold created in the Warrnambool Art Gallery, especially for the exhibition.
Gold said that she initially kept her identity a secret, but was convinced by female friends to claim her work and show that women have a place in the male-dominated graffiti scene.
“For me personally, it was to prove to myself that I could keep up with the boys,” she said.
“It’s an important story to tell and I love keeping the focus on women artists.”
And from its origins on the East Coast, Gold has watched as graffiti culture has been embraced globally.
“People are really connected to what they see, and what’s in the street.
“It’s a juxtaposition to all the advertising you are forced to view.”
While this is her first visit Down Under, she’s familiar with Australian street art.
“I’ve always been a fan of Australian street art. I mean, Melbourne is so famous for its graffiti. They have their own distinct style,” she said.
“Australia has some of the best and the brightest.”
Not just an admirer of Australia’s street art scene, Gold is adding to it.
To help promote the exhibition in Warrnambool, she worked with three Melbourne artists to paint a mural at the Fitzroy pool. And she has plans for Warrnambool too, with an artwork to be created in a secret location before her departure.
“Keep your eyes peeled!” she said.
CLAW MONEY WORLD runs until March 16, 2025 at the Warrnambool Art Gallery, 26 Liebig St, Warrnambool.
