EastEnders

No, not the BBC One soap that has been among the UK's highest rated tv show since 1985!  T'was us, for a few hours on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  Thanks to Jane, we took the Alternative Art Tour.

The Horse Rider. 

Jean-Michel Basquait was perhaps the first artist to make the leap from street to gallery.  He like many artists led a complicated life and died of a heroin overdose in 1988.  Since then, the street art (aka graffiti) scene has developed a following.

A multi-layered stencil.  

Art placement is critical. She peeks at you from inside the doorway.

A skin-head and an Islamic fundamentalist -- extremists each in their own worlds. 

OWLS!

It can be a bit surreal... (photo: EW)

Our tour guide was enthusiastic and knew his stuff.
This picture is along Fournier Street, one of the very few remaining in this part of London after the Blitz.
Studio flats go for £2M.  Alternative of a kind.

Art takes on a variety of forms here.

Park here and risk the anvil drop.

Birds will poop on your car if you park here.

Instructions.

This piece made me think of Quayny.

Is this art?  Is is a good idea. But, is it art?

I especially liked these miniatures.

You have to know where to look...

The shadows make you stop and look down.

My favorite is Stik.

I'm waiting here for you, patiently.

I don't know art, but....

Space invaders on the corner.

...I do know what I like.  And I do know that....

Several pieces on a corner.

...I don't like the city's response to art.

They paint it all a lighter shade of gray.

Thank you Jane!  We got a novel perspective on the street art of London. 

Whilst writing this post, we skyped with the bros.

Carl's room and Fred was there. Photo: EW

Onwards!