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    Banksy in London: A Dead Tree and Vivid Hues in Finsbury Park

    In an unexpected corner of London’s Finsbury Park, a new Banksy piece silently confronts passersby with a jarring juxtaposition of life and decay. Unannounced but unmistakably Banksy, the artwork features a lifeless tree standing in stark contrast to a backdrop of vibrant green splatters—created, in a twist of irony, with a fire extinguisher. This vivid use of color and medium not only captivates visually but also provokes a deep contemplation of the themes it presents.The stark imagery of a dead tree in a park, where life is expected to flourish, is immediately compelling. Behind it, the wall serves as a canvas for an explosion of bright green paint, applied with such force and volume that it suggests a wild, almost violent attempt to resurrect the greenery that should have been. This artificial canopy of leaves, rendered through the unconventional method of a fire extinguisher, speaks to a profound message of loss, resilience, and perhaps a critique of human attempts to control or mimic nature’s beauty. The contrast between the lifeless tree and the vibrant paint creates a visual and thematic dichotomy that is ripe for interpretation.Context and Significance: Beyond the SurfacePlacing this work in the context of Banksy’s oeuvre, it aligns with his penchant for addressing societal issues with poignancy and humor. Yet, this piece stands out for its direct engagement with environmental themes, using the visual medium to highlight the contrast between what is natural and what is artificial. The choice of Finsbury Park as the location adds layers to its interpretation, possibly reflecting on the park as a space of coexistence for nature and urbanity, and the ongoing struggles to balance the two.The Impact of Banksy’s Environmental CommentaryThis latest installation invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the environment. By juxtaposing the dead tree with the artificial vibrancy of the green paint, Banksy may be urging a reevaluation of how urban societies interact with the natural world. The use of a fire extinguisher to apply the paint also suggests a sense of urgency, a call to action that cannot be ignored.Conclusion: A Mirror to Our TimesBanksy’s unannounced work in Finsbury Park serves not only as a visual spectacle but as a profound commentary on the environmental challenges facing contemporary society. As with all his pieces, the true meaning may remain enigmatic, allowing interpretations to flourish and encouraging public discourse. This artwork, silent yet screaming, presents a poignant reflection on the state of our natural world and the artificial means by which we seek to preserve it.In the wake of this powerful statement, the conversation around environmental conservation and our role within it is invigorated. Banksy’s piece stands as a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of public consc (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More

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    Helen Bur in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

    UK based artist Helen Bur has just completed a new painting in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France. Entitled “Shift of the centre” the mural, approx 12x9mt, was painted for the Boulogne-Sur-Mer street art project organised by Amziane Abid. With a strong connotation linked to the concept of motherhood and revaluation of one’s ego, a mother draws a new center around her child, to signify new boundaries of one’s love and one’s perspective.Through her art, Helen Bur shows that beauty can be a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to take action and make a positive impact on the world around them. Each piece tells a story, encapsulating the essence of the neighborhood it inhabits. Her murals often reflect the history, culture, and aspirations of the community, forging a connection between the art and its surroundings. This ability to bridge the gap between art and life is what makes Helen Bur’s work so magnetic. Her unique blend of creativity, storytelling, and social consciousness has redefined the boundaries of art, showing that the streets can be both a canvas and a stage for meaningful expression. With every stroke of her brush and every splash of color, she unveils the soul of the city, inviting us all to look deeper, think harder, and embrace the beauty that surrounds us, even in the most unexpected of places. Take a look at more images below and check back with us soon for more updates. More

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    Banksy new street works in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

    Looks like Banksy is spending his summer holidays in the UK as a few pieces have just popped up in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.As usual with the elusive British artist, he dropped a series of brilliant works which are sure to be enjoyed by the local vacationers.Could it be related that Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Lowestoft are submitting a joint bid to become the next UK City of Culture in 2025?Expect to hear from Banksy confirming these works shortly. More

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    Vanguard – Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement

    Vanguard in partnership with Vans presents Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement – an exhibition exploring the instrumental role of Bristol’s creatives in the development of British Street Art, from the 1980s to the present day. The seminal works, notable moments, key events and extraordinary artists belonging to Bristol’s dynamic history are highlighted in this comprehensive and compelling exhibition, which examines the creative response of the city’s pioneering underground scene throughout the UK’s turbulent social and political history and considers the drive for social change underpinning the work of many of today’s street artists. From anarchist origins in the ‘80s and ‘90s through to the explosion of the scene in the early ‘00s, the exhibition brings together one of the largest collections of original works and memorabilia ever seen in the UK. Beyond Bristol, Vanguard explores the evolving disciplines of British and Irish artists moving from the street art conversation to bridge contemporary fields by fusing traditional techniques with new technologies. The exhibition also reflects on how a new generation of global creatives are advocating for social and environmental awareness through art on the streets. From bronze sculptures to immersive displays, Vanguard reveals a host of new original pieces, as well as rare and unseen works, including bespoke edits from the iconic filmmakers and photographers who documented the unfolding scene. As part of the exhibition, Vanguard will also launch a series of exclusive releases from some of Bristol’s finest creatives, including: 
    An accompanying book featuring worldwide academics, film directors, writers, artists, creatives and specialists reflecting the evolving momentum of the movement 
    An exclusive album featuring some of the tracks which formed the roots of the world-famous Bristol Sound 
    Artist led merchandise from various artists featured in the exhibition Outside of the exhibition, Vanguard has partnered with Vans to launch an exciting city-wide, community-based outreach programme running throughout the duration, aligning with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The outreach programme hopes to promote discussion and participation at the intersection of culture and sustainable action and will include art activations, workshops, panels and film screenings. Exhibition Highlights New and unique works by Bristolian, British and international artists include: 
    New and original works from Adam Neate, Andy Council, Antony Micallef, Bill Posters, China Mike, Conor Harrington, Dale VMN Collins (formerly known as Dale Marshall), Dicy, Eko, Feek, Filthy Luker, Inkie, Lucas Price, Lucy McLauchlan, Matt Small, Mau Mau, Mr Jago, Paris, Rowdy, Sickboy, Swoon, Will Barras and Xenz 
    A life-size bronze sculpture of an old favourite from Nick Walker 
    Kineta Hill and Karen Dew’s photographic projections, Watching Paint Dry, female documenters of Bristol’s scene 
    Iconic photographs of the 80s from Beezer 
    A bespoke five-minute edit of the film Wild Style by Charlie Ahearn 
    A bespoke seven-minute film by Scottish filmmaker Doug Gillen of Fifth Wall TV with an original score by drum and bass producer and DJ Krust 
    Matthew Smith’s rare images of the 90s – the time of rave and the Criminal Justice Bill 
    Carrie Hitchcock and Yan Saunders’ unseen photographic archive 
    Legendary photographer Henry Chalfant’s unseen photographs of his time in Bristol for Spraycan Art Further details on the Vanguard book, album, outreach events and artist releases will be released shortly. Vanguard | Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement M Shed, Bristol, BS1 4RN Saturday 26 June 2021 – Sunday 31 October 2021 Admission £8 adult* / £7 concession* (*Tickets include £1 voluntary donation to Bristol Museums www.www.instagram.com/vanguardstreetartwww.vanguardstreetart.com More

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    “STUCK UP” by Nuart Aberdeen Summer 2021 in Aberdeen, UK

    Nuart Aberdeen have called on the people of Aberdeen to be part of a record breaking new street art project. ‘Stuck Up’ is a worldwide collaboration which will take place in the city centre this July.Location photoNuart Aberdeen will be pasting up between July 1st and August 1st In a unique effort to put this art form firmly under the public spotlight. The project have over 1500ft of walls space so that means not only works curated by Nuart founder Martyn Reed in collaboration with fly-post legends UNCLE, a revolutionary wall of street posters by London’s Flyingleaps who are celebrating their fifth anniversary, but your art too.Submissions are now open, send it, and as long as it isn’t massively offensive.Ship your posters, poems, print outs, photos and collages to :“STUCK UP”THE ANATOMY ROOMSMARISCHAL COLLEGESHOE LANE, ABERDEENAB10 1AN, UK“As corona shut down large-scale arts venues across the globe, so festivals and large-scale mural productions met the same fate. At the same time, we witnessed a huge upsurge of creativity outside of those institutions: DJs streaming sets; opera singers delivering arias from their balconies. Within Street Art, we saw a renewed interest in smaller, more human-scale projects.In many ways, Paste-Ups and Locative Collages, disciplines that demand little more than a tabletop, scissors, magazines and /or paper, are as much related to “craft” as to the rarified world of contemporary art. But perhaps this is what the world needs right now: a less ‘stuck-up’ and judgmental look at the collective capacity of our communities to engage in shaping public space. A return to a more honest involvement in art as it’s created within cities.” Martyn Reed, Nuart Director and FounderLocation PhotoLocation PhotoA Paste-Up is simply an artwork on paper, pasted to a wall with wheat- paste, a form of self-made glue that – in America at least – became the name of the actual practice.Paste Ups are more often than not regarded as an artworks in their own right, usually created in the studio before being transplanted on the streets. The practice crosses over into notions of the more familiar fly-posting when art becomes the vessel for political sentiments and social calls to action. Locative Collages are a relatively new iteration of this idea, wherein small collages are created and then pasted, or “located”, in public spaces.Partners in this project :Aberdeen Inspired | @abdnispiredAnatomy Rooms | @anatomyroomsflyingleaps | @flyingleaps2016UNCLE | @unlcle_insta More

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    Banksy in Reading, UK

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    b-sm = 300×250; sm > none;

    Banksy seems to be back with a brand new artwork that just appeared on Reading prison in the United Kingdom.
    The stencil shows a man using knotted bedsheets to “escape” from the prison. The man could eventually be the famed writer Oscar Wilde, who did spend some time in the prison between 1895 and 1895 for “homosexual crimes.”. The history behind Mr Wilde has helped establish Reading Gaol as a historic landmark.
    The structure is a grade 2 building located in Forbury Road which is owned by the Ministry of Justice.
    Banksy has not yet acknowledged this artwork on his Instagram but this should be done fairly soon.
    The painting appeared over the week-end.
    Check back with us soon for more updates from Banksy. More

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    PANICKY IN THE UK FUNDRAISER COMPEITION!

    Roly

    Roly
    Roland Henry is an international writer, curator and contemporary urban art specialist. Previously the Managing Editor of the independent arts magazine, Very Nearly Almost (VNA), he has developed close, personal relationships with artists, gallerists, and creatives worldwide and currently provides content for The Guardian US as well as numerous other publications.Roland is now based in Melbourne, Australia, where he heads up art agency, Studio Supply, in partnership with the former creative director of VNA, Greg Beer. The agency supplies curatorial and PR consultation services to a worldwide network of brands, artists, and creative professionals. More

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    Banksy in Nottingham, UK

    Banksy just returned to the UK with a brand new piece that appeared a few hours ago on the streets of Nottingham.b-sm = 300×250; sm > none; The British artist painted a great concept using the bike’s missing tyre. This is another tongue in cheek piece to add to B’s collection of humorous street works… More