Championing the merits of street art

Street art has always been a favourite of mine. Right from its grass roots origins, it steers clear of mainstream popularity allowing for a freedom of expression that is hard to find these days.

I love the fact that you can be wandering around a particular part of a city and come across a fantastic mural consisting of a witty pun or simply an amazing artwork. Usually unsanctioned (and potentially unwanted particularly by our councils), they make us question the immediate environment in which we live, eat, sleep and work in.

Vibrant, exciting and democratic.

Fun and anarchy at its heart.

Standing up for the public, rebellious in nature and unbending in its ability to convey political and social opinion.

Street art has changed over the years from its traditional public arena of the brick wall to the white walls of the gallery. Even though it’s ethos is still anti-establishment, successful street artists can earn thousands from their paintings. I just hope that creative expression can keep going in whatever form it takes as long as its still open to all.

And I will keep up my own personal interest in the art form as it symbolises how we try to ‘make sense’ of our lives and view of the world by making a mark on the landscape. Concepts I find really interesting as an artist.

I’m not going to mention any particular street artists I like as there’s too many good ones out there to mention. So here are some of my own photos of street art I’ve seen over the last couple of years in London, Birmingham and Berlin…