London art-world weirdness

Most of the time, despite all the politics and whatnot, people in the street art world seem to get along. But there have been two incidences in London recently that have shocked me a bit.

Photo by unusualimage

First is what is currently happened to Jon Hammer (aka Elate). Jon believes that for a past few months he has been stalked and intimidated by people who presumably don’t like him and his artwork for whatever reason. This has even gone so far as somebody putting a virus on Jon’s computer and attempting to break into his home. The full story can be found on his blog.

And at the Pure Evil Gallery, two artworks were bought using stolen credit cards. One was by Herakut and the other by Pure Evil. Images of the artwork and more information can be found at Crack For Your Eyes.

Other Side live painting

Other Side

Looks like this should be a nice event to get down to in London. Live painting is always fun to watch.

Here’s all the details:

Silhouettes with spray-cans glinting in the darkness have long journeyed through the East End to the austere walls of the rail arches in Mile End, an underground showcase of underground art.

Now, in broad daylight, the elegant new Mile End Arts Pavilion opens its doors to some of the most notorious graffiti artists in East London.

This unique venue offers the opportunity for you, the viewer to observe from behind glass or get down and dirty with the artists painting LIVE! (Protective masks are available on the door)

Each week will feature a new wave of artists, sourced locally with a smattering of special guest painters.

Show is open each Wednesday to Sunday from 12-6 pm

Wednesday 4th November – Sunday 29th November.

Artists: Stik, Elate, Milo, Spat, Teddy Baden, Run, Fuel, Snoe, Smaki, Grems, Stenzilla, Suns, and Roots

I definitely want to go and see Elate, Milo and Run painting.

Stik
Stik
Run
Run

Elate

Elate is one of my favorite writers in London. In fact, he’s probably my favorite London writer who doesn’t paint characters or have some sort of logo. He showed up with the Chrome and Black shop/crew, and new there something new from him on Sclater Street or Brick Lane every other week.

Photo by Elate
Photo by Elate
Photo by mermaid99
Photo by mermaid99

This is a new collaboration between Elate and Tizer (also very talented).

Photo by nolionsinengland
Photo by nolionsinengland

And this is my all time favorite piece of graffiti or street art on Brick Lane:

Photo by Unusualimage
Photo by Unusualimage