Abotz – Blending in and Standing out in Shoreditch

Abotz is a graffiti artist from Kilburn known for his character and letter style. His latest wall in Shoreditch is his biggest yet—a 45ft x 19ft painting that took 23 hours to complete. It was curated by the arts agency ‘Outside the Zone‘.

Titled Blend in or Stand Out, the piece features a collage of his signature character. A cat with a pound sign in its eyes. Most of the cats follow a colour scheme inspired by British camouflage. However, one striking red cat stands out whilst another cat is painted upside down. Acting as outliers amidst the more uniform figures. It reinforces the mural’s theme of individuality and conformity.

Early Graffiti Beginnings

Abotz’s introduction to the world of graffiti came at a young age. Finding himself captivated by the pieces covering the Rowley Way estate in his neighborhood. “It was just completely covered in graff” he recalls. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion. Soon starting to take graffiti seriously.

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Twix to Abotz

His first tag, “Twix,” started to get him into trouble. He was hitting the streets of Kilburn so hard that the local council got involved. Saying that due to his age they’d need to fine his mum if the tagging didn’t stop. It led to an evolution which ended in ‘Abotz’.

“I used to completely take the piss in the area that I grew up in. I just done it everywhere. Get buffed. I do it again”

Inspired by a local street name, the letters were selected for their visual appeal and unique sound. Starting from Abbotts it morphed into Abotz. It was the beginning of a journey. One that would lead to him becoming an established figure on the London graffiti scene.

“I love the letters and the way they go together. I love S’s and Zeds. I like painting A’s, B’s, O’s and T’s.”

Transitioning to Character-Based Art

As Abotz’s artistic journey progressed, he began shifting his focus from lettering to character-driven work. “The characters are more easily digestible to people than graffiti words,” he explains.

“If you see the character on one side of London and then on the other, it’s easier to spot. It becomes a visual signature.”

Blending Nostalgia and Social Commentary

These characters, heavily inspired by nostalgic cartoons, have become a defining element of Abotz’s work. But there is a deeper message. A recurring symbol, a pound symbol adorning the eye of his central character. It serves as a critique of society’s obsession with money and consumerism. “We’re all just a bit brainwashed by money,” Abotz reflects. “And that’s what the characters represent”.

‘Blend In or Stand Out’ by Abotz can be seen on Dereham Place in Shoreditch. It was curated by Outside the Zone. Abotz was interviewed at the wall on 5 March 2025.

Related Links

• Abotz Website
• Outside the Zone website
• Abotz – Instagram Page

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• Banksy’s Urban Zoo Arrives in London
• Hope Mural from LUAP in Shoreditch
• Outside the Zone Curates Pop Futurism on Shoreditch Walls
• All the Murals from the 2024 London Mural Festival
• Long Dark Tunnel: An exhibition with some of London’s most notorious artists

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