East End Mob

About

In the last decade London's East End has seen some remarkable changes. The wave of gentrification has forced the once industrial sprawl and urban wasteland of the area into adopting a different facade. 'East End Mob' presents work from 12 iconic artists who have been actively painting in the area before and during this change, their Character-driven style synonymous with the walls and landscape of the East End. The line-up includes A.CE, Atomiko, Coloquix, Cranio, Dscreet, Mau Mau, Mighty Mo, Pez, Rowdy, Sweet Toof, Tizer and Vinnie Nylon- 'East End Mob' is an authentic exhibition and much needed nod to some of the biggest pillars in East London's Street Art and Graffiti scene. 

A little more about the artists being showcased:

A.CE is a London-based artist drawing inspiration in part from Dada collage and classic Pop Art. A key figure in the UK street art scene for over 10 years, his work is a raw presentation of nostalgic imagery.

Atomiko is a 100 percent Miami artist, growing up in the emerging Miami graffiti scene of the 80’s. His iconic orange character -as much a symbol of Miami as are the palm trees or neon lights has been placed all over the world.

Coloquix has been appearing on walls, in woods and in rivers in the north of England and beyond since 2013, where she is is often more important than how she looks. Her travels have extended to Europe and the US.

Painting since 1998, Cranio's trademark blue Indian was the result of his search for a character that could represent the indigenous people of Brazil. It could not have been chosen better! With their typical blue colour and distinctive shape, the Indians find themselves in funny and curious situations, provoking the observer to think about contemporary issues around consumerism, corrupt politicians and the environment.

Dscreet is an Australian Artist from a graffiti background. He now works in a variety of media including painting, film, sculpture and installation. He’s most well known for the “electrified owl” image which has appeared in galleries, books, films and streets all over the world.

With roots planted in the surf and country vibes of the North Devon coast, Mau Mau brings an air of rural sophistication to the art he has been knocking out for over a decade. He has chalked up a reputation through the environmental and politically astute threads that have consistently run through his artwork. His pieces are bitterly topical with a tongue-in-cheek sweetener.

Mighty Mo's motif first started to appear on London's train tracks, streets, and rooftops more than 10 years ago. Originally working in North London he then spread East, where he collaborated with his fellow Burning Candy Crew members Sweet Toof, Gold Peg, Cyclops, Rowdy, and Tek33.

Pez started painting in 1999 on the outskirts of Barcelona. At first he used to write his signature, and soon it evolved into a fish. Searching for a universal language to communicate with, he decided to paint a fish character with a great smile near his tag and El Pez was born! Since then it has been a way to pass on good vibrations to the walkers on the streets.

Established in 1987, Rowdy became an integral part of the Bristol Graffiti scene. Rowdy's trademark crocodiles can be found world-wide in huge scale and are indicative of the playful nature of the imagery in his work: long may we continue to see oversized mice and crocs attacking our walls.

One of the most prolific and artful of London's Street Artists, Graffoholic Sweet Toof's tags, throw-up's and more elaborate street pieces become a whole language that inform his studio work. His work is almost synonymous with the East End landscape, there are not many places that haven't been decked out with the gums and teeth!

Tizer started painting in 1988. This founding member of the ID crew is a venerable Graffiti King with his own distinctive style and an inimitable suite of characters. A prolific artist, there is no part of London Tizer hasn't painted.

Vinnie Nylon's work employs a host of pop characters in his mid-century inspired works which range from block print, screen printing and collage to large-scale painted canvas and wood panels as well as full scale walls. His interests and influence span from the 60's pop movement to New York's east village scene of the early 80's.

The show will open at BSMT SPACE, an Urban Art gallery in Dalston showcasing Underground culture, Underground! 

The private view for 'East End Mob' will be April 20th 6pm, fuelled by The Fourpure Brewing Co.
Open thereafter until May 14th, Tues to Sat 12-7 and Sun 11-5.

BSMT SPACE can be found at 5d Stoke Newington Rd, Dalston, N16 8BH.

For more information or to RSVP for the opening night contact: info@bsmt.co.uk