From gritty alleyways to billboard size murals, Rhetto, professionally known as Shark Toof, has made a splash on LA’s streets with his instantly recognizable shark motifs. Born David Lew and a graduate of Pasadena’s ArtCenter College of Design, his work fuses gritty street energy with pop-culture savvy
A Bite of Identity
Rhetto is synonymous with satirical juxtapositions placing a snarling, wheat-pasted great white in everyday settings, often interlaced with advertising visual elements. The recurring shark acts as a metaphorical predator lurking beneath urban calm, shaking up the mundane with both humor and bite
Coming from LA’s underground graffiti scene, Rhetto bridges public and private art worlds. His work has featured in gallery shows and even appeared in Apple and Samsung commercials, highlighting his crossover appeal.
Rhetto’s technique wheat-pasted hand-drawn shark images underscores a DIY spirit rooted in subcultural street traditions. The bold lines and dramatic teeth are hallmarks of his aesthetic, transforming blank walls into theatrical scenes where sharks reign supreme.
While playful, his shark symbol carries deeper commentary. It overturns conventional advertisements and street décor, reminding passersby of lurking threats be it consumerism, environmental decay, or socio-political unrest hidden beneath glossy surfaces.
Shark Toof Beyond LA
Rhetto’s murals have crossed geographic boundaries from Detroit and St. Petersburg to Portsmouth abroad all tagged with his shark persona
Why the Shark?
The shark embodies universal symbols of fear, power, and survival. By cropping these creatures mid-bite and placing them in plain sight, Rhetto forces a moment of reflection on society’s hidden dangers capitalism, climate crisis, identity politics all served with a side of streetwise wit.
I told her and moved around to get the perfect shadow and light on her face. Within a few more minutes of moving around, we managed to end this photo shoot on a high note.
Rhetto’s street presence is more than visual spectacle. Each mural is a theatrical performance and a cultural critique amplified by its public backdrop. His signature shark shows that street art can be both striking and substantive, carving a niche in Los Angeles’ artistic ecosystem while casting a long fined shadow worldwide.
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