ART IN EAST LONDON - THIS WEEKEND

Last night I was lucky enough to go to 2 previews of art exhibitions that are on in East London this weekend, and if you're in London, I seriously recommend going to both.

First off was The Moniker Art Fair, on Hanbury Street, off Brick Lane. It's a huge exhibition in what I call the old part of the Truman Brewery (the south end), with over 50 artists exhibiting urban, contemporary art. There's something for everyone there, and my mind was blown wandering round the exhibitors stands, seeing the variety of art on offer. The place was buzzing, and I could've well spent many hours there (had I not known what was waiting at the next event we went to!)

The main reason we were there though was to see our friend Mau Mau's exhibition. He and his Souled Out Studio friends (including CHU, Beejoir, Alexface, BON and more) had built a small bunker in a corner of the huge room, and filled it with their environmental and political street art pieces. I think they speak for themselves:

You really do have to see it to believe it.

Here are some photos of other artists' work that caught my eye. This brilliant 3D piece is by The London Police:



Some pieces by Ego Leonard:

I love this one by Spanish street artist, Vinz, painted on a canvas and a shield:

And Kristian Evju, whose drawings and paintings were just incredible:

But time was ticking by, so off we ran to the next preview, just round the corner at Rockwell House, where End of the Line were previewing their White Canvas project, with art by Jim Vision and others on a tented rooftop. There were less people here (as it's a smaller space), although it was still really busy, with an even better atmosphere than where we'd come from, with coconut milk White Russians flowing and the always delicious Bubbledog hotdogs being offered out.

It was also quite dark by now, so my photos aren't great. But you get the jist, and hopefully you can go and see it for yourself.

As well as giant chess we were treated to music sets, and live art. Beatboxer extraordinaire Reeps One even hopped on the mic to show us the crazy noises he can make with his lungs and mouth. For a really cool, relaxed look into some incredible street art, make your way to Rockwell House this weekend.

Both exhibitions are on all weekend, and if you're going to one of them, try and go to both - they're different but both so brilliant.

The White Canvas project is free entry, and the Moniker Art Fair costs £6 to go to.

PS... LOTS of recipe posts coming soon - I promise!!