Bulletin

Street Art is something that London holds dear, something to be proud of and something to support and encourage. Graffiti is a different form of art that allows professional artists and amateurs alike to express their creativity and showcase their skills outside of traditional artistic expectations.

However, the positive attitude we have towards street art is only a recent development and was once viewed entirely differently. Once regarded negatively and hand in hand with vandalism and crime, the view on graffiti and street art has since made a 180° turn. First emerged by rebellious creatives with spray paint, graffiti is now considered as one of the most dynamic, playful and colourful art forms. Why stop at a blank canvas when you can break the boundaries and create an evocative, eclectic and extraordinary mural?

Street art has taken the artistic world by storm and there are some incredible works of art around the globe showcasing how much of an asset it is in every creative culture. Take a look at these from Architectural Digest and see what you think: http://bit.ly/2glQaKG

The intricacy of Hokusai’s sketches and woodblock printing techniques is something anyone with an interest in art should experience. Not only is his art exceptional but the way in which he worked, continuously striving to better himself with age and accomplishment is quite inspirational.

I came away from the exhibition “beyond the great wave” at the British Museum thinking about life and time in a completely different light…

The exhibition’s over now so apologies for any disappointment (!) but hopefully so if you’re not already familiar with Hokusai this post could be the catalyst for you to familiarise yourself.

Hokusai’s most prolific series, including “The great wave off Kanagawa”, was made when he was in his 70’s and he continued to be commissioned into his 80’s, becoming globally renowned just a decade before passing. The unconventional artist lived in poverty throughout his career despite his fame and gave himself many different names over the years, one of which was “old man mad about drawing”.

Photo: Snowy Morning, Koishikawa

Do you ever stop and think about how the choices you make during your daily life are affecting the environment? This is exactly what London-based artist Maria Arceo wants to bring to attention in her latest project, Future Dust. Starting on Friday September 8th at St. Katherine Docks, Future Dust will showcase the dangers that plastic cause our environment.

First of all, let’s put things into perspective – did you know that the sea will be home to more plastic than fish by the time 2050 rolls around? Scary thought isn’t it? Measuring 12 meters long, this exposition will comprise a devastating collection of plastic that Arceo herself has gathered from 40 different locations along the River Thames, aiming to give you some food for thought indeed.

After seeing this display, you will be sure to think twice next time you drop that plastic wrapper on the floor.