Following his smash 2008 exhibition, Stay Free – which saw Sickboy transform a Victorian tram shed into a 3D Willy Wonka-esque playground (with balaclava-clad Oompa Loompas running amok and a 14ft factory installation churning out art) – the artist presents his most spectacular showcase yet in the shape of Heaven & Earth. A celebration of earthly sins and heavenly fantasies, with collaborations from some of the biggest names in the global scene, Heaven & Earth sees Sickboy figuratively fall from grace into one of his own worlds, calling upon 12 of his fellow street art figureheads to plunge into the depths of darkest conscious.
A leading artist to emerge from Bristol’s infamous graffiti scene, Sickboy’s humorous work has cemented his place in the upper echelons of the British street art movement. He is one of the first UK artists to use a logo in place of a tag, and his red and yellow street logo known as ‘The Temple’ can be seen on walls and wheelie bins worldwide. Known for hitting unusual spots, Sickboy is often seen fleeing travellers’ yards with Pit Bulls nipping at his ankles thanks to his weird hobby of finding and painting caravans — the great British touring equivalent of the New York subway train. Sickboy – whose art recently appeared in Banksy’s Oscar-nominated movie, Exit Through the Gift Shop – has built up one of the largest bodies of exterior works in UK history. Lauded by the leading financial press as one of the movement’s most bankable artists, his shows, temples, slogans such as Save the Youth and audacious stunts – including the caged heart installation dropped outside the Tate Modern as a statement at corporate-backed graffiti – have landed him global recognition.
Private view: Thursday 3rd November 18:00-22:00
Open to the public: Friday 4th November – Sunday 6th November 12:00-19:00
Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery – Brick Lane – London
