Notable Street Artists to Watch in East London's Scene
In the heart of London, East End has emerged as a thriving hub for street art, with neighbourhoods like Tower Hamlets and Hackney, particularly around the E1 postcode area, showcasing an array of captivating murals and installations.
One of the most iconic pieces in the area is a three-storey tall crane on Hanbury Street, created by Belgian street artist ROA, known for his sketch-like, black-and-white style and a focus on animals, especially rodents. Another prominent figure in E1 street art is Jimmy C, an Australian artist, who creates murals entirely from blobs of spray paint in a dreamlike style that borders on impressionism.
Stik, a popular London-based artist, is renowned for his simplistic, stick-figure characters that convey powerful social messages. His distinctive black and white 'stikmen' can be found throughout Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Malarky, known for his cartoonish, colorful murals that resemble giant doodles, is another prolific street artist in East London.
Notable streets for street art spotting 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.
Some of the top and most recognized street artists associated with East London include:
1. **Banksy** – Although originally from Bristol, Banksy's works frequently appear in East London, and he remains one of the most globally famous street artists. 2. **Ben Eine** – Known for his colourful letter-based works, Eine’s shop fronts and murals can often be found in East London, especially in Shoreditch. 3. **Stik** – Stik’s art is prominent in East London neighbourhoods, with his simplistic, stick-figure characters conveying powerful social messages. 4. **D*Face** – A leading figure in the urban art scene, D*Face combines pop art and street art styles, with numerous pieces around East London. 5. **Shok-1** – Famous for his futuristic and robotic characters, Shok-1's works often adorn walls across East London. 6. **ROA** – ROA’s large-scale monochromatic animal murals have appeared in many parts of East London. 7. **Christiaan Nagel** – Distinguished for his iconic giant mushrooms, Nagel’s sculptures and murals have become a staple in East London street art.
Dscreet, with a cartoonish, retro style and an obsession with owls, is another notable street artist in East London. His distinctive owl and skull murals can be found on Grimsby Street, just off Brick Lane.
Eine, a London-based artist, focuses primarily on letters and words, creating bright, eye-catching, and often thought-provoking pieces. Notable works by Eine include 'SCARY' under the bridge on Rivington Street and the recently updated 'PROTAGONISTS' and 'EXTORTIONISTS' (previously 'Anti' and 'Pro') walls on Ebor Street.
A particular portrait by C215 can be found tucked into a doorway on Hanbury Street, not far from ROA's crane.
For those seeking recommendations for specific neighbourhoods or galleries showcasing street art in East London, the vibrant streets of Shoreditch and Brick Lane offer a wealth of opportunities for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the urban canvas.
- Travel guides for London must include a visit to the vibrant East End, particularly Shoreditch and Brick Lane, for an immersive experience into the world of street art.
- In addition to understanding the lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty scenes, food-and-drink connoisseurs must not miss the street food offered alongside the street art in the vibrant neighborhoods of East London.
- For those interested in exploring the home-and-garden scene, a tour of the East End could also offer a glimpse into the unique murals and installations that have transformed urban spaces, creating a blend of art and architecture.
