I recently discovered, from a friend, the Urban Art event that takes place in Brixton every year. I was surprised and quite delighted in fact to hear about this free outdoor gallery lasting for two days (this year 18-19 July), so I went along.
Urban Art is now London’s largest open air contemporary Art Fair with over 100 artists exhibiting each day and over 1,000 pieces of work on show.
For true art lovers, it was a sumptuous sight to see the range of styles; traditional and modern as well as the diverse media used. I was blown away by the various textures and creative ways canvases had been decorated. 
I say decorated as one experimental artist had incorporated dolls heads in their piece producing something that seemed worthy of being in Tate Modern. The themes were truly varied, one artist had displayed several abstract paintings of Michael Jackson and another had painted in a more traditional Monet-like style, conjuring up serene landscapes. An artist had even extended her theme to a life-sized robot on which she had printed the outline of fairies.
As well as a vast choice of paintings being sold, there were also greeting cards, photographs, prints and smaller framed pieces. There really was something for all, no-matter your preference.
Josephine Avenue was a perfect location for such an event. It reminded me much of the paintings that are sold along Bayswater Road without the traffic and hustle-and-bustle of passing pedestrians, allowing you to comfortably browse the art.
With the location and so much to offer at prices ranging from £50-£1000, there is no excuse not to go next year. It’s a shame Urban Art only takes place once a year. However, Lambeth will be hosting other events, including Lambeth Open (3 and 4 October) where local artists will hold indoor exhibitions, and going by Urban Art, I’m sure it will be just as great!
Urban Art’s charity partner this year was Trinity Hospice and on Sunday 10% of all sales went to support their valuable work.
Urban Art was opened by Mayor Christopher Wellbelove, Chuka Umunna Labour candidate for Streatham, Councillor Adedamola Aminu and others.
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11 Comments
I’m gutted that I missed this, it looks fascinating! Will definitely look into going next year, thank you for notifying me of the variety of things going on nearby me.
That was a beautiful review – I really felt as if I was there. Will definitely want to be hearing more about further events in the Dulwich area.
I second that, I am gravely disappointed that I couldn’t be there for that… I’m sorry I have to do this… THAT’S MY GIRL!!!! Woop woop Candiece! Impressed by art knowledge xxxxx
Very interesting arcticle will definately go there next time. Please continue to inform us about these extraordinary events. It shows what London is really about arts, culture etc.
I like your register not too formal but still very informative.
Keep on with the good work.
Great article! I will definitely be checking this out next year… Keep up the good work.
What a wonderful review-I’ve never been much into art, but this article has definitely caused me to rethink my interests! Will definitely attend next year
The artistic temperament within the review has really shown that the art culture is still very popular amongst us. Seeing recent issues like Micheal Jackson’s death being incorporated within urban art suggests how strong, abstract or simple art can be. The article, has for sure given me a deeper insight to urban art and I think you should continue on writing such informative articles in helping people to see the real urban art.
Keep up the good work CCx
It’s a shame that we live in such a rich city, most of the which we are oblivious too.
It’s wonderful that you’ve stumbled across one of London’s treasures.
It seems that unless you live in the areas where these events take place, you’re unaware of them until there are over.
But I think that it’s great that you have found something that needs some fresh and youthful exposure as most that comment are not in tune with the urban art scene.
You should really write more stuff, I think you might have found your niche.
xoxo
Very insightful piece. I completely agree with the previous comments. it is not commonly known where to find information about local events such as these in such a diverse city as london.
As a brixton resident, I shall definitely look out for this one next year
I look forward to future articles
I’ll definately look out for this next year, it’s a shame I missed it this time. Might have a look at Lambeth Open in the meantime!
Thank you iCandi for coming to our event, glad you enjoyed yourself.
Plans are already underway for Urban Art 2010 which will be happening the weekend of July 17th and 18th, so make a note in your diary.
Plans include a sculpture garden and we hope to close part of the street so that we can include even more artists.
All the best.
Tim Sutton