One reason it’s a very clever thing not skip excessive drinking on a Friday is that Saturday has lots to offer to the fresh faced adventurer! Being it a stroll through Broadway Market, hitting Oxford Street for some shopping or ticking off places from the “to-visit” list.
“Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
My plan was to finally pay House of Vans a visit, so I jumped on the tube and headed towards Waterloo.
As House of Vans can be quickly accessed via the Leake Street I was treated to some serious Graff styles and paint fumes. The biggest legal wall in London has been set up by the legendary Banksy himself for the Cans Streetart festival in 2008 and has since then provided equal wall space for Graff Kings and Toys alike.
The tunnel is rough but visually stunning and is a great space for people to express themselves freely. Makes me want to pick up some cans myself and hit the walls. Or maybe not…
The entrance of House of Vans doesn’t really do justice to the massive interiour that awaits inside. As much as I hate big corporations trying to hijack youth culture, Vans feels like a natural fit to provide such an amazing space to skate, exhibit and get creative.
The venue hosts film screenings, concerts and art shows apart from having a cafe and an integrated skatepark. Today was a special event hosted by somewhereto_, an organisation helping young people to find interesting locations for their creative projects. No wonder the arches were buzzing with artists, singers, photographers and other creative types performing and networking…
But onwards! Freshly inspired my plan was to get some drawing done Southbank with a great river view and a cold beer. On the way back through Leake Street I passed even more amazing pieces…
Arriving Southbank I realised that I might not be able to find the space I have been looking for as the new show in the Hayward Gallery is attracting swarms of people who can’t wait to do some sliding… it’s current exhibition by Carsten Höller looks awesome and I can’t wait to go myself! If I can get a ticket that is…
Anyhow, after escaping the hustle and bustle of tourists walking up and down the Thames and the raindrops that fell from the not-so-summery London sky I finally found the Freedom to do some people watching and putting pen to vintage record sleeve…
Hayward Gallery
Southbank Centre
London SE1 8XX
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/hayward-gallery
House of Vans
Arches 228-232 Station Approach Road
London SE1 8SW
Man, I wish I went to House of Vans too – it looks amazing! And you’re right, sometimes I go to these things and just feel like going out and getting a notebook to start doodling. If only I had a larger bag, I’d carry all that stuff with me all the time, as inspiration can hit at any time.
If you don’t manage to see the Carsten Holler exhibition don’t be sad. I’ve had friends say it was a bit of a letdown… http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/jun/14/carsten-holler-decision-review-duane-hanson-hayward-serpentine