517. Hoxton Square, Shoreditch (2)

Alongside some lovely work by Fanakapan and Mr Cenz, Unify has painted this lovely spray can. Representing a spray can as the main subject or as a ‘bit part’ is one of the recurring themes that I have noticed in street art. Acknowledging the tools of the trade.

Unify, Hoxton Square, London, August 2016
Unify, Hoxton Square, London, August 2016
Unify’s work has a charming quality about it, although it is often accompanied by a social or political message, which adds to the depth of his pieces. An accomplished and productive artist, who would be very welcome to come again to Bristol anytime.

516. Grimsby Street, Shoreditch (1)

Stik is probably the most instantly recognisable street artist in the world. His simple stick figures hide a sophistication that is quite baffling really. They appear to convey such strong feelings and emotions, often compassionate. How does he do that?

Stik, Grimsby Street, London, August 2016
Stik, Grimsby Street, London, August 2016
This piece however is slightly different. Lurking in a backstreet that is a favourite for street artists are these two rather unfortunate characters puking up in the street. I don’t know what the story here is, but it is not like it isn’t something we all haven’t done, either through illness or over indulgence. Perhaps just a commentary on the human condition.

Stik, Grimsby Street, London, August 2016
Stik, Grimsby Street, London, August 2016
I absolutely love his work and have posted about the large piece in Bristol and charming wall in Chichester previously. More to come.

Piccadilly line

.

Trains delayed due to

non-availability. 

For the love of God!

.

by Scooj

Early train

 

Sunlight cuts across

the carriage and it flickers

Intermittently.

 

by Scooj

Paddington

.

Gateway to the west

awe inspiring construction

delights while I wait. 

.

by Scooj

It’s coming

 

Summer’s memories

locked away and discarded;

face up to Winter.

 

by Scooj

Super moon

.

The persistent moon

of Westminster’s clock face mocks

urban cloud cover. 

.

by Scooj

Invisible

.

In the grey city

under heavy Autumn skies

anonymity. 

.

by Scooj

Victoria Line

 

A sea of hair sways

in unison with the train

as it rocks and jolts.

 

by Scooj

479. Jerome Street, Shoreditch (2)

Wheatpastes somehow lend themselves not only to bold political statements, but also to quirkiness and humour. I first encountered ‘Face The Strange’ at Upfest 2016 with his rather imaginative flying human ducks.

Face The Strange, Jerome Street, Shoreditch, September 2016
Face The Strange, Jerome Street, Shoreditch, September 2016

The basic technique adopted by Face The Stange, is to take every day objects and superimpose them onto the face of people, creating a rather unsettling and surreal effect. It is more than that though…as I have said many times one of the arts of wheatpasting is location and arrangement. In this aspect Face The Strange excels.

Face The Strange, Jerome Street, Shoreditch, September 2016
Face The Strange, Jerome Street, Shoreditch, September 2016

The other thing about paste ups is that they are rarely commissions, and therefore kind of illegal, which gives them an extra edge. This is my kind of stuff.