Drawings Near Brick Lane

Oh, but these made me happy…

I was going to, at this point, discuss the pros and cons of street art, but to be honest, I struggle heavily to see that many cons.  I am fully aware of the fact that a lot of the painting done on our streets is illegal, and cannot therefore fully condone it simply in the sense that the law is a social binding which must be obeyed, otherwise things really kinda go to pot.  I’m aware that a lot of the street art you can find is mediocre, and why should we have our buildings adorned with it?

Then again… my cultural horizons are currently inflicted by horrors such as Eastenders, by bad films, mediocre writing and works of art that are commissioned for huge amounts of money and which are, frankly, not my cuppa tea.  Whereas some of the street art you can find today, spreading round the world, is vibrant, interesting, often politically pointed or socially aware, and of course, free to view for the passer-by!  And I love it.  I think good street art can liven up a dull bit of wall, protest against an idea in often subversive and occasionally funny days, and if nothing else, add a certain sense of ‘what the hell’? as you pass down a familiar way to work.