Well here we are continuing our series of reviews of the year and we thought we would take a look back at the many exhibitions we have attended. Over the last year we have reported on some 47 exhibitions and have also attended many more that for varying reasons never made it to a blog post, but we will be sharing some of the highlights of all these shows here now.
In the process we have been all over London and become acquainted with many wonderful gallery spaces and visited a wide range of ‘pop-up’ spaces and smaller galleries. Whilst for some Street Art shouldn’t and doesn’t translate into a gallery scheme, we feel such a setting can afford some artists to push the boundaries of what they practice on the street, with some notable examples being either Borondo’s or Louis Masai’s solo exhibitions this year or the work of SAKI&Bitches who can push the boundaries of accepted decency more in a gallery setting. It is for this reason that it is interesting to see how an artist who works so extensively on the street can represent their art in a more contained but potentially more liberating context.
Our favourite group shows of the year include the Moniker Art Fair, the magnificent ‘LAX/LHR’ show at Stolenspace and ‘Doing Lines‘ at the BSMT Space. However our favourite group show was Banksy’s ‘Dismaland’ in Weston-Super-Mare, this was certainly an original and all-encompassing experience. Whilst our favourite solo exhibitions from 2015 include, Pixel Pancho’s ‘Memory Of Our Life’ show at Stolenspace, Mehdi Ghadyanloo’s ‘Perception‘ show at the Howard Griffin Gallery, Bicicleta Sem Freio’s ‘Fera’ show at the Hoxton Gallery, Jimmy C’s ‘Atomised’ show & Louis Masai’s ‘Batteries Not Included’ show at the Lollipop Gallery and finally Ant Carver’s ‘Nothing’s Wrong Something’s Right’ show in the Old Truman Brewery. However our favourite exhibition was Borondo’s ‘Animal’ show in Shoreditch, this show was just on another level, something that had to be experienced to really appreciate what Borondo spent one year creating.
Additionally it has been great to witness the creation of at least two new gallery spaces that have set to deliver a run of impressive shows for establishments that have only recently opened, namely the BSMT Space in Dalston and the Crow’s Nest in Latimer Road. So without further ado, here is our look back at the wonderful year of Street Art Exhibitions from 2015.
Amara Por Dios – ‘Cielo’ – Spray Paint On Canvas. On display as part of the ‘Femme Graff’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Vinie Grafitti – ‘Liquorice Allsorts’ – Spray Paint & Acrylic. On display as part of the ‘Femme Graff’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery.
Work from Lapiztola from their solo show ‘Democracia Real Ya’ at the Rich Mix. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Just one of eight sections of Borondo’s formidable ‘Animal’ exhibition, the top show of the year. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Borondo for his ‘Animal’ exhibition.
Work by Borondo for his ‘Animal’ exhibition.
Work by Borondo for his ‘Animal’ exhibition.
Work by Meggs. On show as part of his solo show ‘Rise & Fall’ at the Stolenspace Gallery.
Work by Snik. On show as part of the ‘Shadow Aspect’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery.
Anthea Missy – ‘Electrical Storm’ – Acrylic on cotton canvas. On show as part of the ‘Femme Fierce’ group show. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Zina – ‘Star Gazer’ – Acrylic on canvas. On show as part of the ‘Femme Fierce’ group show.
Simoni Fontana – ‘Pink Dot’ – Acrylics on wooden canvas. On show as part of the ‘Femme Fierce’ group show.
Bicicleta Sem Freio – ‘Red’ – Acrylic on canvas. On show as part of the ‘FERA’ group show at the Hoxton Gallery, presented by JUSTKIDS. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Mehdi Ghadyanloo. On display as part of his solo show ‘Perception’ at the Howard Griffin Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Pyramid Oracle. On display as part of his solo show ‘Entente’ at Anatum’s Abode. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Uriginal. On show as part of the ‘Kaleidoscope’ group show at the MYA Gallery.
Work by Okuda. On show as part of the ‘Kaleidoscope’ group show at the MYA Gallery.
Misha Most – ‘The Situation (Cinema)’ – Acrylic Spray Paint on Canvas. On show as part of the ‘East vs West’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Shepherd Fairey – ‘Keith Haring’ – Silkscreen on wood. On show as part of the ‘East vs West’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery.
Pixel Pancho – ‘I Raccoglitori Di Rose’ – Acrylic & Pencil on Wood Panel. On display as part of his solo show ‘Memory Of Our Lives’ at the Stolenspace Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Vhils. This incredible portrait is carved into polystyrene. On display as part of his solo show ‘Dissonance’ at Lazarides. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Zina – ‘Bee A Queen’ – Acrylic on Canvas. On display at her solo exhibition at the Old Canvas Bar. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Works from Bailon. On display as part of his collaborative show with Sliks at the Hoxton Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work from Sliks. On display as part of his collaborative show with Bailon at the Hoxton Gallery.
Louis Masai – ‘We’re Stuffed – Ursus Maritimus’ – Acrylics & Bitumen on Reclaimed Wood. On display as part of his solo show ‘Batteries Not Included’ at the Lollipop Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Louis Masai – ‘Russian State Circus Comes To Town’ – Acrylics & Bitumen on Reclaimed Wood. Depiction of a Sumatran Tiger. On display as part of his solo show ‘Batteries Not Included’ at the Lollipop Gallery.
Elno & Krap/Crap – ‘Random’. On display as part of their collaborative show at Number 90. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Giusi Tomasello – ‘Black Unicorn’ – Acrylic Paint, Enamel & Diamond Dust. On display as part of her solo show at the Dulwich Pavilion Cafe. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Gent48. On display as part of the ‘Endangered Species’ group exhibition at the MYA Gallery.
Work by Shark Toof. On display as part of the ‘Endangered Species’ group exhibition at the MYA Gallery.
Deih – ‘Cosmos’. On show as part of the ‘It’s Summer Time!’ group show put on by JUSTKIDS at the Rag Factory. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Ana Maria – ‘Drowned Kingdom’. On show as part of the ‘It’s Summer Time!’ group show put on by JUSTKIDS at the Rag Factory.
Fintan Magee – ‘Chasing The White Long Cloud’. On show as part of the ‘It’s Summer Time!’ group show put on by JUSTKIDS at the Rag Factory.
Inti – ‘San Dunguero II’ – Acrylic on Canvas. On show as part of the ‘Entre Muros’ group show at the MYA Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Alexis Diaz – ‘Volver’ – Ink on 650gsm, Acid Free Handmade Paper. On show as part of the ‘Entre Muros’ group show at the MYA Gallery.
Hannah Adamaszek – ‘Unearthed’ – Acrylic with Spray Paint & Charcoal. On display as part of her solo show ‘Repose’ at the Curious Duke Gallery.
Otto Schade – ‘Tiger Butterfly’. On show as part of his solo show at the Well Hung Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Banksy – ‘Gentleman Rat’ – Canvas. On display as part of the ‘IT BEGAN ON THE WALLS’ Banksy Retrospective show. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Part of Thierry Noir’s ‘Jazz’ solo exhibition at the Howatd Griffin Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
‘Focusing On Love’ – Mixed Media on Canvas by Waleska Nomura. On display as part of the LATA Festival group show at the Red Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Noriaki, On show as part of his solo show at Number 90.
Works by Simoni Fontana on display in the Curious Duke Gallery.
Work by Dan Kitchener. On display at the ‘The Other Summer Exhibition’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Maggio. On display at the ‘The Other Summer Exhibition’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery.
Work by Furia 139. On display at the ‘The Other Summer Exhibition’ group show at the Lollipop Gallery.
Work by Rone. On display at the ‘LAX/LHR’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery in association with LA based gallery Thinkspace. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Evoca1 – ‘Duelo’ – Oil on Museum Quality Panel. On display at the ‘LAX/LHR’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery in association with LA based gallery Thinkspace.
Nychos – ‘Broken But Sliced’ – Acrylic on Canvas. On display at the ‘LAX/LHR’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery in association with LA based gallery Thinkspace.
Work by Zabou from Tribe15. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Elno for Tribe15.
Work by Carlos Cashiero from Tribe15.
Saki & Bitches – ‘Erika’ – Acrylic on Canvas. On show as part of the ‘Underhand’ group show at the BSMT Space. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Skeleton Cardboard – ‘No WiFi, Can’t Breathe’ – Spray Paint, Acrylic & Marker on Canvas. On show as part of the ‘Underhand’ group show at the BSMT Space.
Himbad – ‘Careful What You Eat’ – Acrylic on Canvas.On show as part of the ‘Underhand’ group show at the BSMT Space.
Sadhu X – ‘Hope’ – Stencil, Collage & Spray Paint on Canvas. On display at the ‘Peace From The Street Up!’ group show at the Old Truman Brewery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Gent48 & Newso. On display as part of their collaborative show ‘Thrifty Egos’ at the Proof Gallery.
Work by Jimmy C. On display as part of his solo show ‘Atomised at the Lollipop Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Jane Mutiny. On display as part of the ‘Human Nature’ group show at the Art Of Progress Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Banksy from Dismaland. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Paco Pomet from Dismaland.
Work by Jeff Gillette from Dismaland.
Mad C – Acrylic, Watercolour & Spray Paint on Canvas. On show as part of his ‘Character’ exhibition at the Pure Evil Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
LOOK – ‘Work Days’ – Acrylic On Canvas. On show as part of the Weird Crew’s show ‘Momentum’ at the Proof Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Works by Ben Eine. On display as part of his solo show ‘You’re Not My Type’ at the Stolenspace Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Teddy Baden on show at the Underdog Gallery.
Ant Carver – ‘Silver Lining’ – Oil & Spray Paint on Canvas. On display as part of his solo show ‘Nothing’s Wrong Something’s Right’ at the Old Truman Brewery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Telmo Miel – ‘My Glove Is Great’ – Spray Paint, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas. On show as part of the Moniker Art Fair with the 44309 Street//Art Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Bom.K. On show as part of the Moniker Art Fair with the MYA Gallery.
Andrea Tyrimos – ‘Magenta Overline’ – Oil on Canvas. On show as part of the Moniker Art Fair with the Curious Duke Gallery.
Clet Abraham – ‘The Clash’ – Spray Paint & Hand-Cut Reflecting Paper on Original Road Sign. On display as part of his solo show at the Graffik Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Works by Mr Cenz. On show as part of the ‘London Wall Street’ group show at the Crows Nest. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Cosmo Sarson. On show as part of the ‘London Wall Street’ group show at the Crows Nest.
Work by SPZero76 from the ‘1,21 Gigawatts’ group show at the Printspace.
Work by Ali Hamish. On show as part of the ‘Death In Dalston’ group show at the BSMT Space. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Nick Flatt. On show as part of the ‘Death In Dalston’ group show at the BSMT Space.
Work by JR for his solo show ‘Actions’ at Lazarides.
Work by Annatomix. On display as part of the ‘Art Heist’ group show at Circus Tattoos.
Work by Mr Christa. On display as part of the ‘Art Heist’ group show at Circus Tattoos.
Work by Mazatl. On display as part of a Mexican Street Artist group show at the relocated Hoxton Gallery.
Part of work by Captain Kris, The Real Dill, Tony Boy & Obit. On show as part of the ‘Doing Lines’ group show at the BSMT Space. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Stinkfish – ‘Malmo Girl #1’. On show as part of his ‘Crossroads’ exhibition at the Pure Evil Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Senor X for his solo show ‘Follow the Crowds’ at the Big Buoy.
Work by Pinche Y Colerea. On display as part of his solo show at the Chop Shop.
Work by Wild Drawing. On show as part of the ‘Esthisis’ group show at the Crows Nest. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Work by Inkie. On show as part of the ‘Esthisis’ group show at the Crows Nest.
Low Bros- ‘Lightsome’ – Acrylic & Spray Paint on Canvas. On show as part of the ‘The Reasons For Seasons’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery. You can view our post on this exhibition (covered here).
Beau Stanton- ‘Autumn’ – Oil on Wood.On show as part of the ‘The Reasons For Seasons’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery.
James Bullough – ‘Never See It Coming’ – Oil & Acrylic on Panel. On show as part of the ‘The Reasons For Seasons’ group show at the Stolenspace Gallery.
Work by David Walker at the ‘MIX’ group show at the Lawrence Alkin Gallery.
London Calling Blog 
I think it would be fair to say that 2015 was a vintage year for many seeing street artist showing their talent in the galleries around London…. I’ve enjoyed seeing quite a few above and a couple more!!! Sometimes I think will this maybe the last time I see that artist painting on the streets? Sometimes I think the value of seeing the artwork is greater than buying it… Hats off to the amount of exhibitions you have found time to visit Steve.. Always a pleasure reading about these.. I hope you cover the Benjamin Murphy “Gilded Chaos” exhibition on from the 14th January till 13th February at Beers Contemporary. 1 Baldwin Street, Hoxton, EC1V 9NU. (Just off City Road). But just before that one I would recommend going to see the exhibition.. “Reveal”, the first Cultivate event of 2016. Opening on Thursday 7th January at 6pm and running until 6pm Sunday 10th January. Trek under the arches at 358-260, Westgate Street, London, E8 3RN. Should be quirky!!! Artist and curator Sean Worrell will have put on a no frills but endearing selection of artwork from himself and others to get the year off to one of growth in a patchwork of fields of art me tinksssss…. Happy New year
Great review of some really brilliant work! I’ve loved seeing some of these shows and it’s been great to read about and see the highlights of the ones I didn’t quite make it to! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Reblogged this on ART So Provident and commented:
When you cannot get to thriving art galleries in London that are not mainstream even if you could find them, then blogsites like londoncallingblog.net , which has only recently been brought to my attention, are a wonderful next-best-thing. I am reblogging this post looking back to year of street art exhibitions in London throughout 2015.
Happy New Year
Well said Southampton Lady!!!!
Thanks Mitch 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing Southampton Lady, as well as for the exceptionally kind words, always nice to know we are helping people in London and further afield enjoy the great art we get to see here. Happy New Year to you to, plenty more coming from us in 2016.
We spotted Andrea Tyrimos working on a disused phone box in Southsmpton Row. She has a nice project in hand there.
Hi Silver Tiger, thanks South for taking the time to inform us, we love Andrea Tyrimos’ work and will certainly look into it. Thank you.
These posts are certainly useful as well as interesting. I use them as reference works when trying to identify who has painted what!
Thank you Shoreditch Cherie for taking the time to comment, especially as what you said highlights one of the things we set out to do with our blog. Really glad that it helps you.