The Safari Festival at the Protein Gallery, Shoreditch

On my search for some art in this great city, I wandered into the cool depths of Shoreditch to the Protein Gallery, which was hosting the Safari Festival, a celebration of illustration, graphics and alternative comics. 

The crowd visiting the exhibition was uber cool, which made me feel decidedly uncool. I shuffled around the various art displays and was especially taken by Leon Sadler's fantastic, edgy and subversive prints.

The visit to the gallery re-ignited my love affair with street art. I used to live on Redchurch Street – now home to Shoreditch House and the like – and I would love discovering new graffiti art. I am pleased to report the street art scene is still very much alive and kicking here and in and around Shoreditch the urban landscape is one giant canvas bringing creativity, colour and subversiveness to all that wander its streets. 


Other street art projects - Dismaland by Banksy

Street art lovers should also check out Banksy’s new project 'Dismaland', described by the man himself as ‘a festival of art, amusements and entry level anarchism’ in Weston-super-mare. It features 19 ‘areas’ each put together by a different artist. My favourites are 'Mini Gulf', an oil caliphate themed crazy golf course made from the hockey pitch at Cheltenham Ladies college and 'Water Cannon Creek', an armour plated riot control vehicle built to serve on the streets of Northern Ireland, equipped with sniper posts, grenade launchers and now a children’s slide.

On until 27th September (featuring Friday night events finishing with Massive attack on Friday 25th September), it's certain to be fab. I’m doing all I can to get tickets for this one, got any contacts anyone?!

Elinor Seath