Finishing off my series of London tributes for 2012 there can be no better way to celebrate than by reliving some of the best street art from the year. Below are some of my favourites. Mainly around the East End some are still there and some have gone, to be replaced with other works. This is what I like about street art, the walls become a living canvas, sometimes here today but gone tomorrow though always remembered thanks to the joys of social media.
Stik on Pitfield Street - The Stik thief, I think this piece is so playful, Stiks characters are all over the East End and instantly recognisableFinbarr Dac on Hanbury Street - sadly no longer there I remember this piece having an immediate impact, it was just so striking. Positioned on the popular spot of Hanbury Street it didn't last long but made an impact whilst it did.Broken Fingaz Crew on Bethnal Green Road - The Israeli artists visited the East End and left some great art behind. This one I particularly like as a regular market is held on the street and the colours and vibrancy of the market fits in superbly with the art.Milo Tchais on Hackney Road - Another regular sight on the streets of London. Milos style is colourful and full of fun and energy. He seems to take his inspiration from the natural world drawing flowers, animals, birds and often women. This one covers the side of a wall on Hackney Road and is so imposing you can't help but be impressed.Don on Whitecross Street - created for the Whitecross Street Party, Dons work can be seen all over. This one I like because of the framing of the door.Jimmy Cochran on Old Street - Maybe I like this one so much because I saw it being painted but it is a great piece. Australian Cochrans work is a regular sight and can be seen in some prominent spots around Brick laneHeygate Estate - Okay so this isn't technically brilliant but I think it's so cheeky and actually tells a lot about the area. The sad wall seems to be mourning the demise of the estate which is slowly decending into rack and ruin.ROA on Chance Street - who could not be impressed by this huge piece from Belgian artist ROA in his trademark style and featuring a hedgehog.Banksy on Turnpike Lane - Appearing just before the diamond jubilee it was soon covered with perspex as so many banksy's are.Love Birds on Club Row - this is actually a paste up but is very sweetPaul Insect on Zealand Road - Covering the whole wall, Insects trademark eyes look great with the bike and the telecoms cupboard against it.
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