Prominent Street Artists to Watch in East London's Scene

Prominent Street Artists to Watch in East London's Scene

In the creative heart of London, East London stands out as a hub for street art, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world. Notable areas for street art in this district include Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, Shoreditch, 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.

Shoreditch, often described as the creative epicentre of London's street art scene, is home to iconic murals by artists like Banksy, Ben Eine, Stik, and ROA. About 70% of London's most photographed murals are located here. Brick Lane, renowned for its eclectic, large-scale murals by both famous and emerging British and international artists, offers a rich cultural and culinary atmosphere alongside vibrant art. Hoxton, adjacent to Shoreditch, shares much of this creative energy and street art presence.

These areas host a diverse collection of street art styles, including graffiti, stencils, murals, mosaics, and stickers, frequently evolving as new art replaces old. Brick Lane also features a popular Sunday market amidst its street art scene, making it a lively destination beyond just the murals.

One of the prominent street artists in East London is Jimmy C, known for his dreamlike, blob-based murals that can be found all over Shoreditch. Although his Usain Bolt portrait on Sclater Street is no longer there, his distinctive, blobby paintings can still be found in the area. Another notable artist is Mr Cenz, whose super colorful, sci-fi-esque portraits of women have become common in East London.

ROA, a Belgian street artist, is known for his three-storey tall crane on Hanbury Street in East London. His style is sketch-like, black-and-white, and features animals, especially rodents. Dscreet, with a cartoonish, retro style and an obsession with owls, is another notable street artist in East London. His distinctive, bubble-eyed cartoon owl can be spotted all over East London, with one easy spot being on Grimsby Street, just off Brick Lane.

Ben Eine, a London-based artist, focuses primarily on letters and words, creating bright, blocky typography and occasional throwbacks to retro signage. Some of his most iconic pieces in East London include 'SCARY' under the bridge on Rivington Street and the recently updated 'PROTAGONISTS' and 'EXTORTIONISTS' (previously 'Anti' and 'Pro') walls on Ebor Street.

Stik, a London-based artist, creates distinctive black-and-white 'stikmen' that can be found all over Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Malarky is a street artist whose cartoonish, bold, and funky-colored murals can be found all over E1, particularly on shutters and trucks.

C215, also known as the "French Banksy", is a Parisian street artist who often considers East London his second home. His street art is characterized by small, hard-to-spot close-up portraits, often of subjects like beggars, homeless people, refugees, street kids, and the elderly. A particularly lovely portrait by C215 can be found tucked into a doorway on Hanbury Street, not far from ROA's crane.

The area is always changing and evolving, making it an incredible open-air gallery. Visitors can explore the street art scene with walking route guides, such as the East London Street Art tour focusing on Brick Lane and its surrounds, and the Slums and Street Art East London walking tour covering Shoreditch and Bethnal Green.

London's vibrant street art scene, particularly in East London, offers a unique and ever-changing artistic experience for both locals and tourists alike.

1. The creative heart of London, East London, is not only a hub for street art but also a lifestyle destination, showcasing fashion-and-beauty boutiques, food-and-drink spots, and home-and-garden stores alongside its vibrant art scenes.
2. Brick Lane, a notable area in East London, is a lively intersection of travel, culture, and culinary delights, offering a rich atmosphere that combines large-scale street art murals with a popular Sunday market.
3. For those interested in exploring London's street art scene, travel guides can be found that offer walking routes through areas like Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, offering a personalized, engaging, and ever-evolving open-air gallery experience for both locals and tourists alike.

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