International Alerts Talking Peace festival has launched in London with a celebration of World Food and great art! The idea is simple, start a conversation over a shared meal or through a common interest and the beginnings of a relationship will be formed.
Lasting the best part of a month, the festival involves some of the best street artists and the most talented cooks as well some of the funniest comedians, all of whom will be giving their time trying start a conversation about peace.
In terms of art, live painting at locations around London will feature some of London’s very best street art talent with a lot of the art produced then up for display and sale at the Hoxton Gallery. It gives people a chance to see art in action and talk to the artists all of whom will be reflecting in their work what peace means to them.
Launching on 8 September 2014 with a ‘Peace Booth‘ on Old Street Station. Passers by got the chance to learn about the work International Alert does in terms of promoting peace around the world, have their picture taken and see some of the UK’s top street artists in action. The event was followed with a launch featuring a panel of experts at Shoreditch Village Hall and the first pop up version of the ‘Conflict Kitchen’ featuring foods from around the World.
Speaking to International Alert about why he was taking part top artist Dan Kitchener said it was a bit of a no brainer. “Positive imagery, bright colourful, vibrant pictures can spread a positive vibe, it can play a great way of helping you get your message across.” His resultant painting called ‘Still Life’ was, he said, “a state of stillness, utter calm and tranquility. It’s capturing a moment of stillness in time.”
Also painting at the launch, Pure Evil owner of the iconic Pure Evil Gallery said “I believe in peace and I believe art can help to bring about a paradigm shift in peoples thinking.. If you want peace, make art.. Change peoples point of view and you can change a vote, change a vote and you can change the world. Picasso understood this and his Guernica paintings is one of the greatest anti war statements ever made.”
More events featuring more artists as part of the Talking Peace festival are listed below so get down to see them if you can.
Old Street Peace Booth, 8–14 September 2014
Artists taking part in the Peace Booth include Tarek Tuma, Lana Alana, Mr Dane, Francesca Love, Amara Por Dios, 616, Josh Jeavons, Ibrahim Fakhri and Zina.
Shoreditch Art Wall, 13–19 September 2014
The iconic Shoreditch Art Wall will be taking over by artists 616, Ben Murphy and Pang. Expect an intense artistic experience with that one.
Shoreditch Courtyard Paint Jam, 19 September 2014 6pm-10pm
Get along to Shoreditch Courtyard to see the real kings of the paint jam. With some of London’s best and most prolific street artists including Captain Kris, Himbad, Jeba, Ricky Dep, Saki & Bitches, TonyBoy, Tony Riff and The Real Dill. There will be music and great art. For more info click here.
Queen of Hoxton, 20–21 September 2014
See some brilliant live art at the Queen of Hoxton rooftop as part of Conflict Kitchen London to mark the UN International Day of Peace. Andrea Tyrimos, Hannah Adamaszek, Kef and Syrian artist Ibrahim Fakhri.
Hoxton Gallery, 24 September–3 October 2014
An exhibition of the street art created during the month, held at the Hoxton Gallery, with auction on 3 October.
Talking Peace Festival Artist Gallery
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