It is not a secret when I say a trip to London is
so worth it, right? There are millions of people who know that already. When in
London it is astonishing that you can walk from street art clad areas to
historical places, to the sheer shopping heaven of let’s say Marylebone High Street. Do these places co-exist happily, do they clash, or do they secretly
dream that the other wouldn’t be there anymore? Are these places real or are
they only there to entertain the crowds? Most often tourists see the exciting
sights, and about London people say they "like the punks". Sounds a bit 80s to be
honest, where are they?
Looking at street art makes you think about stuff,
it makes you questioning things. OK, I get there are people who are oblivious
to questioning anything ever. The great thing about street art is that it is freely
available to everyone, and there really is no need to buy a ticket to participate
and to get inspired. Often it seems street artists have no problem to create impeccable
pieces of art overnight. Different street artists use different tools and art
forms, to create stories, and so far there is hardly any literature to explain
their messages. As in, and we all remember that moment vividly, “please write
an essay where you explain what Van Gogh had in mind when he put these lemons
next to a vase …”. This leads me straight to my next thought, oh dear, are
future teachers going to torture innocent school kids with questions about
Banksy’s dreams? So much to think about, isn’t it?
Come with me to look at street art on and close to Hanbury Street in
East London
Illustration by Phlegm. Butterflies by (to me) unknown artist
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Red Post Box by D7606 |
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Art by JANA & JS |
Murals by Martin Ron and ROA (from left to right)
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Grafitti by Stik |
How do you feel? Does art influence your life? Can’t
wait to hear from you. Thank you so much in advance. For many more London ideas you have to read The Travel Writers' Ultimate Guide to a London Heathrow Layover.
From Berlin with love