Pure Evil, born Charles Uzzell Edwards in South Wales in 1968, was influenced by his father, Welsh painter John Uzzell Edwards. His exposure to a wide range of artistic movements, from Cubism to Minimalism, and artists like Picasso and Chagall, shaped his early creative path. After studying graphics and fashion in London, he moved to California's West Coast in the 1990s. There, he worked for the Anarchic Adjustment clothing label as a designer and graphic artist, creating t-shirt graphics for screen printing and immersing himself in the rave scene. He also travelled to Japan, where West Coast streetwear was booming, and became involved in the music scene, DJing and producing ambient electronic music for Pete Namlook’s FAX label in Frankfurt.
Back in London, Pure Evil became part of the circle around Banksy’s "Santa’s Ghetto" and contributed to the creation of prints for Pictures on Walls. A pivotal moment came when the U.S. denied his re-entry, forcing him to stay away for ten years. This setback, however, led to a life-changing shift. He moved to the Black Mountains of Wales, where he isolated himself, focusing on collaging and stencil work. After this period of self-reflection and artistic development, he returned to London and prepared for his first Pure Evil exhibition in 2006, marking the beginning of his career as a prominent artist.
