Monday 13 May 2013

Street Art Revolution

London is one of the most pro-graffiti cities in the world, although officially condemned. Street art or guerrilla art usually refers to unsanctioned art and can include traditional graffiti artwork, stencil graffiti, sticker art, wheatpasting, street poster art, sculpture and street installations.

Street art has a huge following in London and in many ways is embraced by the public, for example Banksy's works, ROA's murals, Jimmy C's works and Stik's stick figures.

One of the best places in London to view street art is Shoreditch, a district in the East End of London and one train stop away from Whitechapel. Shoreditch has, since around 1996, become a popular and fashionable part of London. The southern part of the area tends to be the central hub of arts and entertainment, and includes popular galleries, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs.

The arts scene in Shoreditch has been flourishing for hundreds of years. Geographically it was far enough away from the West End to provide alternative entertainment for the locals.

To discover street art in Shoreditch, you need to walk up the side streets and alleys. Works can be found on the walls of abandoned and derelict buildings, car park walls and shop front shutters.









It's important to note that street art is an impermanent art form and pieces may be changed or altered. Since my last visit a few months ago, some pieces have vanished.

The nearest tube station is Shoreditch High Street, one stop away from Whitechapel. 

5 comments:

  1. That's really unique art work! Would love to see it one day if I ever make it to London.

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  2. A friend suggested a trip to Shoreditch while we were in London to see the street art there. I was a little apprehensive since I don't usually like graffiti at home but we had a spare afternoon so we figured why not, let's check it out. Boy, am I glad we did! Graffiti is not the right word for the fantastic street art we saw!!! It was absolutely amazing!!! Well worth the trip and I'm so glad we didn't miss out on this true art!

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  3. I am definitely one that is pro-graffiti as I don't really see what is so negative about sharing your artwork with the world through free form expression. I mean, who really wants their city to look dull and boring, when it could be plastered with magnificent works of art? In so long as the art work is not provocative, or violent in any manner, then I think that the works should be displayed with pride.

    I am thrilled to see such amazing works being show cased across this district. I have always been one to be moved by the expression of feeling(s) that art conveys, and am in awe at the work that you have posted here. It would definitely be a destination that I would have in mind as a must see for those who are into art.

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  4. I very much doubt that it is still Graffiti when very many people come from long distances just to see this art form. Thanks for including and sharing the pictures. As you know those pictures speaks volumes with regards to what is available for perusal.

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  5. That looks an awesome place. I'm gonna try to visit it. I'm pretty sure me and my friends are going to love it. Check out the Street art in Manila, you'll love it too. Anyway, Thanks for sharing!

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