First up in our extensive catch up with street art from 2023 we are taking a look at a series of nine artworks we have had the pleasure of catching from neon portrait artist David Speed. These works were all placed up around Shoreditch, with the exception of one which was the first portrait we facilitated for our community street art project in Penge, South-East London this year in early January 2023.

David Speed has again maintained his mantle over the course of the last year as one of the most prolifically active artists upon London’s street art scene and it’s been an absolute pleasure to catch so many of his striking pink and red neon portraits. It has also been interesting to see the recent shift towards creating some portraits which feature a hybrid of more conventional photorealism colour schemes and neon effect, fusing to craft something again entirely original from this incredibly talented artist.

David Speed at work in Linden Grove, Penge.

Finished work in Linden Grove, Penge, placed up with support from London Calling Blog for SprayExhibition20.

Work in Ebor Street, Shoreditch.

Work in Ebor Street, Shoreditch.

Work in Curtain Road, Shoreditch.

Work in Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, depicting the legend that is Noah, aka Background Bob, perfectly capturing his unmistakable and irrepressible smile. It is absolutely tragic that since David Speed painted this amazing potrait, Noah has sadly passed away, having left an incredible legacy of art and charity work – having fundraised a quarter of a million pounds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospital – through his collaborative creations with a whole host of artists from all around the world. So sadly gone, but certainly never to be forgotten by all on the scene. We never had the privilege of meeting Noah, but are delighted we got to see and photograph this incredible portrait of such a unique character by David Speed.

Work in Ebor Street, Shoreditch.

Work in Ebor Street, Shoreditch.

Work in Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch.

Work in Old Street, Shoreditch.