Hope Mural from LUAP appears in Shoreditch

The latest large scale mural from LUAP has appeared in Shoreditch. Called ‘Hope’ it shows the Pink Bear slumped against what appear to be bleachers. In his hand are a bunch of faded flowers which are drooping next to him.

Pink Bear

LUAP’s Pink Bear is a constant feature in his work and acts as a muse. The Bear is both an extension to himself as an artist as well as being a conduit for ideas and expression. It’s also the second time that he’s painted at this location in Shoreditch. The first time, his mural ‘Love Life‘ featured the Bear standing whilst holding a skull.

Hope

“Hope” says LUAP is about the “belief that a brighter future awaits, just around the corner”. Things may not feel it just now but “we must muster the strength to give it one more shot”. The slumped bear in the Shoreditch mural we can see may well have experienced disappointment. But what comes after?

Photography

As with all of LUAP’s work, the original image is taken from a photo shoot. Always featuring the Pink Bear it is from these images that subsequent painted pieces will emerge. More often than not these shoots will involve exotic locations with unique environments. Yet the inspiration for the bear slumped in the mural came from closer to home. That original image featured the bear sat on the steps of an old East London townhouse.

Mural

Painted using recycled paint from the Forest Recycling Project the mural was also supported by arts organisation ‘Outside the Zone‘. Created over only two and a half days the detail of the bear was created using just brushes much like one of his studio pieces. Whilst the background was a mixture of brushes and rollers.

‘Hope’ is a mural by LUAP which can be found on Batemans Row in Shoreditch. It was supported by Outside the Zone, the Forest Recycling Project and assisted by William Reinsch. The mural was created between 8-10th April 2024.

For more Inspiring City articles you might like, take a look at…

• Ten Key Moments from Outside the Zone
• The Pink Bear Pavilion Launches in Hamburg
• LUAP paints a Pink Bear in Shoreditch
• Interview with the Artist Behind the Pink Bear
• I’m Glad I Found You – 10 Years of the Pink Bear