London’s Shoreditch is For Street Art Lovers
When people ask for advice about what to see in New York City, we tell them to visit the greatest hits: Central Park, the World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and yes, even Times Square. But after they’ve seen all that, we tell them to see the real New York City. New York City comes alive in its varied and diverse neighborhoods, and the same is true with the wonderful city of London.
While charming neighborhoods like Notting Hill make you feel like you’ve stepped into a series of picturesque postcards, hip neighborhoods like Shoreditch make you feel like you’re in a cool graphic novel. There are so many things to see, do and eat here. But one of its best attractions could easily be lost on you, if you’re not paying attention to the lively canvas around you. Shoreditch is a fantastic destination for street art.
Where is Shoreditch?
Shoreditch is a neighborhood in East London. Before East London experienced its renaissance, it was a lower income neighborhood known for its immigrant populations. But towards the late 20th century, the counterculture thrived and more positive associations were being made with the area. Shoreditch was suddenly less “dodgy”, and more “edgy”. Spurred on by the East London line extension in 2005 which introduced the Shoreditch High Street station, and the Silicon Roundabout Regeneration which made East London a technology hub, Shoreditch quickly became the place to be.
Where to find street art in Shoreditch
While there are a number of street art tours and street art maps that can be easily called up by The Google, we’ll let you in on a little secret: you don’t need any of it. As long as you’re paying attention, you’ll likely find more murals, wheat pastes and stickers than you can handle. Many of the local storefronts have been decorated, and barely any rolldown door has been left untouched.
Take the tube to the Shoreditch High Street station, then let your eyes do the walking. Don’t miss Whitby Street, Bethnal Green Road and of course, Brick Lane. Many of the streets off Brick Lane are treasure troves of incredible street art, murals and graffiti. The street art here changes constantly, so you never know what you’ll find. The point isn’t to mirror someone else’s experience, but to create one that’s all your own.
Some London street artists to know
Just like New York City, London is a cosmopolitan city that draws a lot of street art talent. You’re likely to find artwork by street artists from all over the world. And with local legends like Banksy (who hails from Bristol), there’s a steep tradition and deep respect for the craft. Although you can find amazing street murals all around London, Shoreditch is still considered ground zero for the street art scene. While you’re here, these are a few London-based artists that are worth familiarizing yourself with:
Jimmy C AKA James Cochran
Jimmy C was born in England but raised in Australia. His love for street art and graffiti developed while he was still living Down Under, and while obtaining his Masters degree in Visual Arts, he refined his signature style. Known for his “aerosol pointillist” technique, he paints portraits and landscapes entirely from dots and dashes. He is now based in London, but paints all over the world.
SHOK-1
Perhaps our happiest discovery was British artist SHOK-1, who has a unique x-ray art signature. With a degree in Applied Chemistry, the London-based artist incorporates elements of science into his murals. His signature style is meticulous in its level of detail, yet provides an ethereal effect. His work also often promotes social awareness. One of his pieces in Shoreditch is called “The Future is Garbage”, and was created for Pentatonic, a company that makes furniture out of recycled trash.
Stik
Stik hails from East London and still works out of his studio there. His stick figures have the unique ability to boil a message down to its simplest form. The self-taught artist is fiercely committed to building and fostering community, and seeks to build bridges through his work. His mural “A Couple Holds Hands in the Street” features a woman in a niqab, and was embraced by the Muslim community. Despite being painted in 2010, it is still well-maintained in Shoreditch.
Zabou
Zabou is a London-based French artist whose portraits have graced walls all over the world. Over the years, her subjects have included celebrities and social activists. But even unfamiliar faces feel somewhat recognizable after her signature treatment, which captures black-and-white faces against colorful backgrounds.
Conclusion
When it comes to street art, London is the gift that keeps on giving. But despite all the up-and-coming street art destinations, your street art pilgrimage is incomplete until you experience the magic of Shoreditch.
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