Art
The world’s top street artists dismantle graffiti’s dystopian reputation
Street art, utopia and shattering boundaries — At Somerset House’s new show Venturing Beyond, Shepard Fairey, REVOK, Swoon and others explore graffiti’s relationship with utopia: turning cities into more dynamic spaces through challenging authority and provoking change.
Written by: Alex King
Video: Skate artist Mr Penfold on work, play, graffiti and skateboarding in Bristol
“I just didn’t stop” — Check out this video profile of Mr Penfold, one of the twenty artists and photographers involved in transatlantic skate art initiative the LB Project.
Written by: Alex King
In Pictures: Experience Ghana's contemporary art scene at new Accra gallery
Presenting Gallery 1957 — Named after the year in which Ghana became an independent nation, Gallery 1957 is a new contemporary art gallery opening in the country's capital, where local artists will finally be able to exhibit their work at home, rather than just internationally.
Written by: Adam White
The Brussels teenagers defying cultural divisions
Terror, division, skateboarding and unity in Brussels — Links to the Paris attacks put Brussels at the centre of Europe’s debate on immigration, throwing up some heated questions. Is a lack of integration leading to radicalised teens? But at Les Ursulines skatepark a refreshing counterpoint is thriving, as kids from all backgrounds skate together in peace.
Written by: Alex King
Zines, club nights, and collectives: London's female DIY art scene is thriving
New House of Vans exhibition — A new exhibition at House of Vans in South London brings together the contemporary DIY scene in the city to celebrate culture that celebrates women.
Written by: Shelley Jones
DIY legend Tim Kerr on living a creative life that transcends labels
Colouring outside the lines — As a formative influence in independent music, Big Boys founder Tim Kerr helped to develop styles varying from punk-funk to skate-rock. Yet the artist has always resisted categorisation, repeatedly asking: 'If self-expression has no boundaries, why do people keep putting labels on it?' This is the story of Kerr's journey as an artist and the responsibility that comes with it.
Written by: Erick Lyle
In Pictures: Mario’s Maplés grotesque erotica parodies our desire for intimacy
Things That Inspire Me — Artist Mario Maplé’s discomforting biro illustrations caricature our dirtiest desires. We reached out to ask what gets his blood pumping - artistically, that is.
Written by: Alex King
In Pictures: NASA’s retro travel posters imagine a bright future for space tourism
A golden age for travel? — NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab believes commercial space travel is the future - so they commissioned artists to bring their vision to life.
Written by: Alex King
Talking change with Swoon, whose art helps us see beyond the damage man creates
Forged in the fire of change — Caledonia Curry aka Swoon was raised in a family of heroin addicts, but her tough upbringing only hardened her resolve to spread positivity. Now she’s helping to resurrect the impoverished town of Braddock, Pennsylvania, through an ambitious art-driven renovation project.
Written by: Andrea Kurland
Bristol activists use street art to fight gentrification
We make our own future — The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft is using street art to preserve the identity of Bristol’s most culturally diverse neighbourhood.
Written by: Alex King