Encounters with London Wall Graffiti – The Concise Figure Series
A contemplator observing the passersby on the streets.
Life’s encounters are extraordinary, bringing not only surprise but also becoming turning points that inspire new perspectives and origins. Unexpected meetings lead to unknown worlds, seeking transformation in existence. In ordinary daily life, familiarity often strips away freshness, making the awareness of serendipity seem to lose its charm. Occasionally leaving familiar places opens up unexpected perceptions and horizons, helping to rediscover vitality and novelty. Travel is another shortcut to possibility; going out always excites curiosity, as unfamiliar places hold more imagination. Travel is a path home; experiences from outside to inside—physical sensations and spiritual perceptions—transform encounters into life experiences, deepening them into existential energy, leading to a complete life.
I have come to London again; I am already captivated by it, becoming a fan. Under certain conditions, I enjoy being a stranger, fully embracing the unknown state and occasionally experiencing authentic life situations. Urban graffiti has always attracted my attention, so London’s wall graffiti particularly catches my eye. Graffiti is the most unusual creativity and highlight of the city, serving as a barometer of social context. It is neither for profit nor for any declaration, but purely for conveying viewpoints, indifferent to whether it is watched or not. Existence itself is meaning and value, making it even more serene. Even if it may disappear at any time, it does not matter.
Walking is the best way to understand and delve into local contexts. In London, besides taking the subway and buses, purposeless walking often leads to numerous remarkable encounters, including people, things, and various discoveries. In the vibrant Shoreditch and Camero districts, I found many bewitching graffiti in the corners of marginal walls. Most astonishingly, such concise lines matured into wonderful patterns and figures. They are charming, eye-catching, and vividly depict the current life situation.