Category: Art
On now until mid December: a street art show at the new Tony's gallery of Sclater Street just off Brick Lane. Neo Cosmo features art by Billy, Lucas, Mr Penfold and Malarkey, all of whom have worked together across the walls of London.
Billy currently resides in Berlin. His work features symbols inspired by tribal cultures, inspired by his years spent living in South Africa as a teenager. He is also interested in typography.
Lucas grew up in Belfast, where he was inspired by the ability of street art to impart a powerful message. However in his own work he has chosen to take a more lighthearted approach; he particularly relishes injecting colour into public spaces.
Mr Penfold was drawn towards graffiti after a stint working in a skate shop. His characters are often drawn from the people he has met over the years and he currently lives in Cambridge.
Lastly, my favourite artist in the show: you may already recognise the unmistakable work of Malarkey, whose work has sprung up across many walls and shop fronts in east London over recent months. One fifty foot mural of frantic running creatures in Redchurch Street is named Malarkistani Riots after the riots earlier this year, but his work is far from frightening; instead he creates an alternative universe of exuberant patterned characters. He splits his time between London and Barcelona.
With its artist in residence programme Tony's encourages the crossover between street and contemporary art. Find out more on the Tony's Gallery website.