The “Long Dark Tunnel” exhibition features street art by 10Foot, Tox, and Fume in London. It highlights the struggles and artistry of graffiti writers, with strong attendance and support from the Big Issue. The issue, edited by 10Foot, has quickly become one of the bestseller editions.
An exhibition named “Long Dark Tunnel” showcasing the street art of 10Foot has launched in London, featuring contributions from graffiti artists Tox and Fume. The opening at Piccadilly follows the release of a special Big Issue edition where Tox, known as the UK’s “most imprisoned” graffiti writer, was interviewed by Banksy.
Artist 10Foot, whose real name is Sam Moore, emphasises the rarity of gifted graffiti artists, stating, “At the extreme end of graffiti there’s a very small handful of super-gifted people who are beyond fascinating.” He highlights the challenge these artists face, saying they often struggle financially despite the incredible art they produce in defiance of regulations.
The exhibition attracted significant crowds, showcasing diverse works such as a graffitied London Underground train and tagged street signs. Tox, also known as Daniel Halpin, reflected on his journey, asserting, “Graffiti provided me with an outlet and an escape from my crime-ridden ends.”
Tox shared his experience with the law, recounting his 2011 arrest for tagging over a decade. He expressed gratitude for Banksy’s support, noting, “I’m really happy and grateful that he did it,” referencing Banksy’s previous mentions of him in artwork.
The Big Issue edition curated by 10Foot is seeing high sales and contributes to supporting homeless vendors. It also features additional content like an Irish poem, a story by Jonathan Meades, and contributions from Mica Levi and Jake Hanrahan. The magazine is available through vendors and online.
The exhibition of “Long Dark Tunnel” in London highlights the raw talent of graffiti artists 10Foot, Tox, and Fume, showcasing their passion and struggles within the art scene. Tox’s reflections reveal graffiti as a significant outlet during challenging times. The exhibition, alongside the successful Big Issue edition, underscores the ongoing relevance and resonance of street art in contemporary society.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk