George the Dog, John the Artist exhibition in Shoreditch

The truest form of Street Art can be seen in the exhibition by John Dolan at the Howard Griffin Gallery on Shoreditch High Street.

True, because for the past three years John has been sitting in the same spot just over the road from the gallery, drawing the skyline and buildings of Shoreditch. Ever faithful by his side, his loyal companion George the Dog, instantly recognisable to workers and locals as he sits on the pavement patiently sitting whilst people walk by and John draws.

At one point homeless, John draws whilst sitting on the street. Not on walls or pavements or shutters or hoardings, he patiently produces his art whilst sat down in his regular spot. A Shoreditch local, he has seen many changes and the area evolve as new people move in, buildings come and go and habits and styles change. His journey has been a remarkable one. From rough sleeping to exhibiting his work alongside some of the worlds top street artists, the shows opening night attracted hoards of people lining the walls of Shoreditch High Street as they waited to get in.

John the Artist and George the Dog in their regular spot on the Shoreditch High Street
John the Artist and George the Dog in their regular spot on the Shoreditch High Street

Collaborating with the likes of Stik, RUN, Cityzen Kane, Martin Ron and Malarky the Howard Griffin Gallery has managed to curate a remarkable ensemble of some of the best street art talent around. The artists have added their own stamp to John’s Shoreditch skylines producing some unique and original work. Alongside the collaborations are original sketches of George and of the buildings directly in front of his regular spot. Each image is slightly different but all original.

As shows go this is unique, John’s history and his story aside, artists have collaborated from all over the globe to produce a unique series of works. In total over 35 artists have contributed to the show which must have been a feat in itself.

The show lasts until the 26th September so get along quick. In the meantime though, here are some snaps from the gallery and some of the art on display.

George the Dog, John the Artist at the Howard Griffin Gallery on Shoreditch High Street
George the Dog, John the Artist at the Howard Griffin Gallery on Shoreditch High Street
A sketch of George on the wall of the gallery
A sketch of George on the wall of the gallery
A long wall exhibits the collaborations with various artists
A long wall exhibits the collaborations with various artists
Sketches on the back wall
Sketches on the back wall
Sketches made of George the Dog went quickly
Sketches made of George the Dog went quickly
John would often draw the same spot directly in front of where he sat
John would often draw the same spot directly in front of where he sat
A couple of George the Dog sketches
A couple of George the Dog sketches
Stik collaboration
Stik’s collaboration was classic Stik
The Rolling People got imaginative with a spray can
The Rolling People got imaginative with a spray can
Sever decided to spray rainbow paint over the scene
Sever decided to spray rainbow paint over the scene
Kid Acne's collaboration
Kid Acne’s collaboration
The Flower Guy Micheal de Feo sent his collaboration all the way from the States
The Flower Guy Micheal de Feo sent his collaboration all the way from the States
C215, a regular feature on the streets of the area with his detailed stencils produced this fine work
C215, a regular feature on the streets of the area with his detailed stencils produced this fine work
Rowdy made good use of his trademark crocodile
Rowdy made good use of his trademark crocodile
Agostino Iacurci made it a fishy scene
Agostino Iacurci made it a fishy scene
Martin Ron turned the train into an alligator
Martin Ron turned the train into an alligator
RUN put his mark on a few of the pieces, this one  also includes detail from Thierry Noir
RUN put his mark on a few of the pieces, this one also includes detail from Thierry Noir
Malarky's work is instantly recognisable
Malarky’s work is instantly recognisable
Cityzen Kane is a versatile artist and here he adds a golden touch
Cityzen Kane is a versatile artist and here he adds a golden touch
Another detail from RUN
Another detail from RUN
Ronzo turns one of his little monsters into Godzilla
Ronzo turns one of his little monsters into Godzilla

George the Dog, John the Artist is a show at the Howard Griffin Gallery on 189-190 Shoreditch High Street, it runs until 29th September.

For more information about the work of John and George try:

Little London Observationist – London Art Spot: John Dolan

6 Comments

  1. Just a footnote to say they have extended the exhibition to the end of this weekend!!
    I swapped my day off to go down to London to see this artwork and they told me in the gallery that the response has been so good that they will stay open till the end of the weekend… It’s well worth going down stairs to see the short flim about John and his dog.. Most of the art on display has been sold (but still on show) but well worth going that’s for sure… You would be barking mad to miss this one!!!

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