As part of trying to get out more I decided to go visit the parts of East London where there’s always at lot of street art, just to see what lockdown, covid, BLM, crap politicians Trump, etcetera has stimulated.
There were some covid/NHS inspired images
Some political
And a few that aimed at BLM issues
But mostly it feels like the artists just wanted to paint and maybe get some generalised frustrations off their chests
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
The great thing for me is it allows all sorts of opinions that often get squashed by other sensitivities. Some jar – because of my no doubt feeble liberal prejudices – but I don’t want them muzzled by any sort of mainstream group think of whatever persuasion – I’ll remain pro Voltaire ‘I don’t like what you say but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it’, however much some view might grind my gears. And with street art the ultimate response is to paint over what you don’t like with your own view.
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I do enjoy street art, though I hope this lot is all spread out, otherwise I’d find it overwhelming I think. How far did you go to gather this selection? There are some well thought out pieces tucked away in there worthy of saving.
Wow what a lot of street art – I haven’t been in a city in a long time and we have none of that in our semi-rural town in the Northeast U.S. – thanks for sharing this wide variety – always something to look at and ponder 🙂
Not your typical graffiti, but really some great artwork. Who owns these buildings that they allow so many people to create street art on them? We have murals all over Philadelphia, but they’re sanctioned and usually paid for by the city who commissions the artist. Is that what’s going on in East London or is it some form of protest, Geoff?
It’s everything Pam. This area is so well known for its street art that mist owners just accept it as a price of property here. Some commission the artist, though few try and control the message – just not done – and those in retail see it as a draw to the area. Railways that cross cross this area are also a draw with their embankments and arches and bridges. And many have an edge, some of which jar but that’s the beauty. There’s little political correctness or being cancelled or safe spaces in street art. If you don’t like the message, paint over George Floyd image is a classic, reflecting uncomfortable views as well as the more mainstream. I remain a Voltaire man to my roots (I don’t like what you say but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it) so however jarring I’d prefer to allow the messaging than the muzzling. That’s the joy of east London for me.
I appreciated your answer about the response of building owners to the artists. I don’t think they would last 15 minutes here before the police were called. I loved getting to see the variety available to you in such a small area.
TanGental 
Some great some awful but all interesting. Thanks, Geoff.
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Exactly. Like contemporary music, the good filters out over time and some opinions make me wince but, heck, that’s the joy, it’s uncensored.
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So true.
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I can certainly understand the one that said, “I can’t breathe.” Masks do that to a person.
Some of the art was amazing.
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The great thing for me is it allows all sorts of opinions that often get squashed by other sensitivities. Some jar – because of my no doubt feeble liberal prejudices – but I don’t want them muzzled by any sort of mainstream group think of whatever persuasion – I’ll remain pro Voltaire ‘I don’t like what you say but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it’, however much some view might grind my gears. And with street art the ultimate response is to paint over what you don’t like with your own view.
.
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My viewpoint about opinions is the same and Voltaire said it well. My views may not be your views, but we can still find common ground.
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This time has certainly inspired this generation of street artists!
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I’m glad they’re still there casing trouble…
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🤣
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Your pictures are not showing on my iPad!
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Oh! Now I wonder why that is . It doesn’t seem to have impacted anyone else. Maybe unfollow and the refollow and see if that clears it?
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I do enjoy street art, though I hope this lot is all spread out, otherwise I’d find it overwhelming I think. How far did you go to gather this selection? There are some well thought out pieces tucked away in there worthy of saving.
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It’s all inside about half a square mile but given the nature of London’s squashed streets and lanes and passages it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
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Good heavens, I think I’d find that a bit of an assault on the senses! But thanks, interesting to see them.
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I think you’d enjoy the wander. One day, Gilly!
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Those people are real artists!
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I know. Such talent
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There are some amazing paintings there. Are they all in the same area or spread around?
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All within about a square half mile. It’s quite extraordinary really
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Wow what a lot of street art – I haven’t been in a city in a long time and we have none of that in our semi-rural town in the Northeast U.S. – thanks for sharing this wide variety – always something to look at and ponder 🙂
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I enjoy the mixed bag. You never really know what comes next
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Really fun to look at 🙂
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Not your typical graffiti, but really some great artwork. Who owns these buildings that they allow so many people to create street art on them? We have murals all over Philadelphia, but they’re sanctioned and usually paid for by the city who commissions the artist. Is that what’s going on in East London or is it some form of protest, Geoff?
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It’s everything Pam. This area is so well known for its street art that mist owners just accept it as a price of property here. Some commission the artist, though few try and control the message – just not done – and those in retail see it as a draw to the area. Railways that cross cross this area are also a draw with their embankments and arches and bridges. And many have an edge, some of which jar but that’s the beauty. There’s little political correctness or being cancelled or safe spaces in street art. If you don’t like the message, paint over George Floyd image is a classic, reflecting uncomfortable views as well as the more mainstream. I remain a Voltaire man to my roots (I don’t like what you say but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it) so however jarring I’d prefer to allow the messaging than the muzzling. That’s the joy of east London for me.
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I’m with you on that, Geoff. We all need a chance to have our say and If it’s through street art, all the better!
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An amazing trip
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It was good to get out and about…
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Yes. I’m sure
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I loved this post. Wow, these artists are talented and creative. Thank you for sharing their work.
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They certainly capture so much. I can get quite lost wandering the backside of Shoreditch, Horton and London Fields…
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I appreciated your answer about the response of building owners to the artists. I don’t think they would last 15 minutes here before the police were called. I loved getting to see the variety available to you in such a small area.
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That’s an amazing array of styles and messages.
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Your recent post was the stimulus to go and have a peak…
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Oh, that’s nice to know!
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What a visual treat. 🙂
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It’s very enjoyable having a wander
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Absolutely brilliant Geoff thanks 💜
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