Eight Distinguished Street Art Artists to Watch in East London's Urban Landscape
East London, particularly the bustling neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Hackney, have become a hotspot for street art, attracting artists from around the world. This colourful and dynamic scene has transformed the city's urban landscape, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
Notable streets for street art spotting in East London include Sclater Street, Fournier Street, Fashion Street, Hanbury Street, Blackall Street, Old Street, Kingsland Road, Rivington Street, Charlotte Road, Shoreditch High Street, Curtain Road, Bateman's Row, New Inn Yard, Leonard Street, and Great Eastern Street.
Among the artists associated with the area are Banksy, the enigmatic figure often linked to Bristol but whose work has appeared in various locations across London, including East London. Known for his mosaic artworks resembling characters from the video game "Space Invaders," Invader has placed his iconic pieces throughout London. Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant), while not exclusively based in East London, has exhibited and created public art in the area, sharing his distinctive style with the community.
The Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, known as Vhils, has been active in London and is celebrated for his beautiful, intricate murals that often dissect urban society. D*Face, a prominent figure in the UK street art scene, is known for his bold, graphic style and has produced numerous works in East London. Stik, a local artist, is beloved for his simple yet powerful stick figures that convey emotions and tell stories on the streets of East London.
Pure Evil, known for his darkly humorous and often provocative works, has a gallery in Shoreditch and frequently contributes to the area's street art scene. Famous for his large-scale, colorful lettering, Ben Eine is a prominent figure in East London's street art culture and has worked extensively in the area.
Other notable artists include Mr Cenz, known for his super colorful, sci-fi-esque portraits of women, Malarky, famous for his cartoonish, bold, and funky coloured murals, C215, a Parisian street artist who considers East London his second home, and Dscreet, known for a cartoonish, retro style and an obsession with owls.
London's street art scene is particularly rich and prolific in East London, particularly around Tower Hamlets and Hackney. Jimmy C, an Australian-born street artist, is known for creating murals entirely from blobs of spray paint, with a dreamlike style that borders on impressionism. A commissioned piece by Jimmy C can be found at Joe's Kid on Fashion Street.
Eine, a London-based artist, focuses primarily on letters and words, creating super simple, eye-catching, and often thought-provoking pieces. His works include 'SCARY' under the bridge on Rivington Street and the recently updated 'PROTAGONISTS' and 'EXTORTIONISTS' (previously 'Anti' and 'Pro') walls on Ebor Street.
These artists, among others, contribute to the rich tapestry of street art that defines East London's cultural landscape, making it a fascinating and ever-evolving urban playground for art lovers.
A visitor interested in street art might want to explore the home-and-garden of vibrant street art in East London, including notable spots like Sclater Street, Fournier Street, or Curtain Road. For lifestyle enthusiasts, immerse in the dynamic arts scene by attending a gallery exhibition by Pure Evil or Ben Eine, both renowned artists based in Shoreditch.
