The Shadowy Provocateur: Richard Hambleton and the Specter of Urban Decay Richard Hambleton emerged from the vibrant, yet often chaotic, New York art scene of the 1970s as a figure shrouded in mystery and intent. Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in 1943, his early life was marked by a nomadic spirit and a fascination with performance and disguise. Before establishing himself as a painter, Hambleton honed his skills as an actor and street performer, traveling extensively throughout Europe and the United States. This formative period instilled within him a deep understanding of publ…