Street Art 2023

The Street Art Exhibition, Surface’s most popular event of the year, was finally launched on Friday 11th August, celebrating local and independent artists from across Nottingham.

With over 150 art pieces, and with over 200 visitors at the Street Art Exhibition launch headed by Simon and Jez, it went off without a hitch. The vibrant and colourful artwork, coupled with the street music made the place come alive. The energy was alive in the main exhibition space, from floor to ceiling, with artists and visitors united to view the entire collection.

The diverse range of art pieces giving their rendition on street art culture typified how subjective art can be to each individual. However, the pièce de resistance, the graffiti mural in the alleyway was the main star attraction, encapsulating the Street Art Exhibition and complementing the main stage.

I had a lovely opportunity to talk to Misty, one of the Street Art Exhibition artists, during the launch party with it being her second year of the Street Art Exhibition.

She describes her artwork as an “abstract geometric psychedelic painting with aspects of surrealism.” She also enjoys Surface as it is a welcoming place with a strong communal spirit within the heart of Nottingham.

Zillah Farey, a further Street Art Festival artist talked about her art work, describing it as being “influenced by fashion style illustrations, using blue ball point pen and the use of no black.” She also enjoyed the launch, seeing the work complimented and contrasted with other artists’ work.

Finally, Geraldine, who has submitted work for several Street Art Festivals, discusses her pieces, “To Hell in a Handcart,” and “One Fateful Day,” sharing the communal feeling of grief and loss.

As art itself is inspired by historical contexts, and individualistic experiences, the Street Art Festival provides a portal for multiple people to share their own experiences and memories within one place, and help embrace giving artists a free voice, and platform for self-expression.

Surface encourages diversity, and originality regardless of your background, and to encourage art to help give everyone a platform. The music, supplied by “The Osbourne Identity,” invigorated the space and complemented the evening harmoniously.

Feel free to visit the Street Art Exhibition at the gallery today from 11th August to 2nd September in Hockley.

To stay up to date with our upcoming exhibitions and events, follow us on our social media pages: @SurfaceGallery

By: Eimhear Downey