English Street Art

A couple of days ago we were all lucky enough to go on a really insightful tour of the street art that’s been decorating the walls of east London, otherwise known as the east end. Our guide was a confident little Londoner called Gary, a man whose life obviously revolved around this stuff, his excitement sparked our own. He took us all on a quick walk through the city of London before it transitions into the east end. The difference between these two areas is amazing, almost shocking. The city is crowded with shiny glass towers and constantly late businessman. Whereas the streets of the east end are riddled with heritage listed mosques, curry shops and abandoned buildings. The contrast is brilliant.  

Anyway, Gary first showed us the work of a man who calls himself Pablo; he works on such a refreshingly small scale with figures only about as big as your hand.  

 From here Gary talked to us about the philosophy behind the street art movement, and it really is a movement, it feels new and creative. He told us how artists are able to gain permission from wall owners to paint pieces to a higher standard. This is why we’re seeing artworks getting better and better. When he discussed the issue of taggers spraying over great works, he exuded a sense of acceptance. Apparently artists just take it in their stride, even painting over the tags and using them as best they can. From here we saw works from a man named Conner, who painted these tall striking images of pre WW1 soldiers.

 I noticed how Gary would always mention the professional careers of the artists; it was nice to know that even these pioneers of non-traditional art still sold their work. We were then taken near a warehouse that was transformed into a modern art gallery. The nearby car park housed the most amazing collection of pieces. We saw the mosaics by French artists Space Invader and my first Banksy, a bright pink car and grim reaper stencil in the driver’s window.  

 What I loved about the English street art scene was the sheer size of it, there were so many people contributing to this public gallery. I noticed how artists would band together, share ideas and work of each other’s images. It really does feel like a thick community of visionaries. What have helped the creation of these original works are the injustices the east end is facing. The city is slowly swallowing the shabby rundown areas of the east end. It’s good that better buildings are built, but the original art is quickly being washed away. Artists are being locked away for vandalism, and London’s huge expansive cctv system makes putting up pieces without permission extremely dangerous. It’s this conflict that’s providing artists with inspiration. I can’t help wonder that without opposition to the street art movement, it may lose its flavour.