A few weeks back saw a visit from South African Artist Falko1 who brought what he dubs ‘The Herd’ to London in a wave of activity leaving some 18 works depicting 22 elephants around North, South & East London. Hailing from Cape Town Falko1’s urban expression started with painting Graffiti and slogans for the ANC in the 1980’s and has now led to Falko1 taking the Elephant over the last four years as his subject of choice.

What stood out for us on the day we were fortunate enough to spend with Falko1 painting a series of works around Penge, was the spontaneity of his works, firstly in the colour schemes he chose space to space, setting to make his works blend or pop so harmoniously with the surroundings. Secondly we noticed how Falko1’s designs were created on the spot when confronted with unconventional shaped walls or viewing angles, demonstrating his innate ability to utilize spaces and make his Herd fit any surface in such a fun and engaging manner.

We would like to say a big thank you to all the people in Penge who provided spaces we were allowed to get Falko1 to add his magic too, with a series of works which are already very much beloved about SE20. Lastly we would like to offer a massive thank you to Falko1 for coming to Penge to transform the town, top day despite the horrible weather.

The first of many additions of the Herd courteous of Falko1 with this lovely work in Tottenham, put up with support from VIP Graffiti.

Falko1’s second fresh addition to Tottenham, put up with support from VIP Graffiti.

The first of 5 blank canvases Falko1 transformed in his day about Penge.

Falko1 at work in Penge High Street.

Work number 1 in Penge High Street, with this marching elephant, capturing the mood as people headed to work whilst this was painted. Put up with support from London Calling Blog.

The second of 5 blank canvases Falko1 transformed in his day about Penge.

Falko1 at work on spot number two in Penge High Street.

Work number 2 in Penge High Street, with this happy elephant holding his trunk high. Put up with support from London Calling Blog.

 

The third of 5 blank canvases Falko1 transformed in his day about Penge.

Falko1 at work on spot number 3 in Penge.

The beautiful finished work in Maple Road, with a lovely choice of sedate colours and a scene depicting a mother elephant & her offspring, nicely located opposite the school in Maple Road. Put up with support from London Calling Blog.

Falko1 starting out spot 4 in Penge and the first of 2 residential properties that received work from the artist.

The beautiful finished work to be found in Stodart Road, Penge, put up with support from London Calling Blog.

Falko1 starting on his final and largest member of the Herd brought to Penge, by this point in the day it was raining severely, so hats off to Falko1 for completing this work.

The stunning finished piece in Southey Street, Penge, making fantastic use of the space available and fusing such rich absorbing colours. Put up with support from London Calling Blog.

 

Beautiful golden chrome elephant on Somerleyton Road, Brixton, put up with support from Solo One.

Work in Fashion Street, Brick Lane.

Our favourite of the trio of works we found around Brick Lane, this one also in Fashion Street.

A site to behold with Falko1 being at current the first and only artist to paint in Star Yard since it was declared out-of-bounds to artists.