6652. Hornsey Road, North London

Perspicere, Hornsey Road, North London, December 2024
Perspicere, Hornsey Road, North London, December 2024

This piece by Perspicere is opposite the Banksy tree on Hornsey Road, London, and was photographed while walking to a Football match with my son a couple of weeks back. Not only was I not expecting the Banksy piece, but this thread installation by Perspicere was a superb bonus.

Perspicere, Hornsey Road, North London, December 2024
Perspicere, Hornsey Road, North London, December 2024

It was a dark and foggy evening when we were passing by, and I dare say that this piece is probably best viewed in daylight. The threads, suspended from the edges of the board, combine to make out  a mature oak tree in a field, casting a long shadow. It is a wonderful composition and another beauty from the artist who uses this specialist technique. Another unexpected joy.

6421. Upfest 2024 (53)

Perspicere, Upfest 24, The Tobaccco Factory, Bristol, September 2024
Perspicere, Upfest 24, The Tobaccco Factory, Bristol, September 2024

Sometimes street art takes on a new and vibrant form, and even when you think you’ve seen it all, an artist like Perspicere will come along and blow your mind. I have been aware of Perspicere for a couple of years, but managed to encounter him at work twice this year, both at Upfest and at the Cheltenham Paint Festival.

Perspicere, Upfest 24, The Tobaccco Factory, Bristol, September 2024
Perspicere, Upfest 24, The Tobaccco Factory, Bristol, September 2024

Perspicere works with thread that is suspended between rows of hooks along each side of the frame. By threading the line across from one hook to another again and again in a very specific order he builds up a layer of thread that has depth and colour, tricking the eyes. He uses only four colours of thread (red, blue, yellow and white) and the whole thing is worked out using a computer programme, and he has to follow the directions meticulously. The end result is mind-boggling, especially on the scale that he works to.

Perspicere, Upfest 24, The Tobaccco Factory, Bristol, September 2024
Perspicere, Upfest 24, The Tobaccco Factory, Bristol, September 2024

I think that you have to have a special kind of patience and determination to do this kind of thing, but perhaps it is a rather mindful exercise and great for zoning out. A fine addition to the spectrum of art at this year’s Upfest.