From defiant train writers to powerful large-scale muralists, over 100 international artists are featured in Beyond the Streets London, opening this February. The exhibition, supported by adidas Originals, is the most comprehensive graffiti & street art exhibition to open in the UK, and is set to take over all three floors of London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery.
Curated by graffiti historian Roger Gastman, Beyond the Streets London examines the fundamental human need for public self-expression, highlighting artists with roots in graffiti and street art whose work has evolved into highly disciplined studio practices, alongside important cultural figures inspired by this art scene.
Following successful exhibitions in Los Angeles and New York, each of the exhibition’s chapters will explore exceptional moments in the history of this artistic movement including the emergence of punk, the birth of hip-hop – marking its 50th anniversary in 2023 – and street culture’s strong influence in fashion and film.
“A collection of pioneers like these in one place is rare,” shares featured artist Mister CARTOON. “Being able to exhibit with such respected artists is something I don’t take for granted! I hope London is ready for a real glimpse into L.A. street art culture.”
Through music and art, London meets New York, featuring works including FUTURA2000’s legendary 30-foot painting, made on stage with The Clash, displayed along with the unparalleled contributions from Malcolm McLaren, MODE2 and American photojournalist Martha Cooper. Visitors will also be encouraged to browse and enjoy music at Trash Records, an interactive installation within a fully recreated record shop.
No area of Saatchi Gallery will be left untouched; visitors will be immersed by works and ephemera on view across hallways, tunnels and staircases and will enter rooms exploring the birth of graffiti like never seen before. These spaces will showcase a wall of Jenny Holzer’s truisms; Henry Chalfant’s photography of NYC train writers in action; together with AIKO’s timeless stenciling of delicate silhouettes and Gordon Matta-Clark’s extraordinary archive of graffiti photography.
“With every exhibition we’ve put together I always learn something new and London is no exception,” says Gastman. “The amount of stories and historical moments – some of which may have been forgotten and arguably unknown until now – are what will make our Saatchi Gallery show such a spectacle. We really hope to educate and inspire through a curious lens that digs into the nooks and crannies of all these subcultures and the massive role London played in bringing them to light on a world stage.”
Click here for the full details on Beyond the Streets London and to purchase tickets.
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