Three of London’s most infamous graffiti writers, 10Foot, TOX25 and Fume, have taken over Arts Arkade to present Long Dark Tunnel. An immersive journey into decades of London’s underground graffiti culture and alternative art.
Expect a showcase of vandalism, artwork, subervertisements, visual and audio experiences, poetry and more. Smack bang in the middle of Picadilly Circus – one of central London’s busiest junctions.
“I felt that I was in this long dark tunnel”.
Entering the gallery, you’ll make your way up an escalator representing that of a London underground station. Craftily designed subvertisements line the escalator – mocking the typical tube ads found across Transport for London’s system.
I liked the leaflet on entry. It’s a good way to set the scene for what visitors are about to experience. With it’s high footfall location on Piccadilly Circus, it’s also a nice context for people stumbling across the exhibition with no prior knowledge of the trio’s background.
Trains are the most prized canvas for graffiti artists across the globe. London’s underground network is no exception, having long been targeted by London’s most prolific since graffiti culture made it’s way across the pond.
One of my favourite pieces from the exhibition. These pieces, like the rest of the art works, looked 10/10 on the London yellow stock brick backdrop.
The tongue-in-cheek signage was both funny and wholly London. “Come We Do It Then” – a line said before 99% of graffiti action.
Only a writer as prolific as 10Foot could appropriate the London A-Z. There’s not a borough you can’t find him in.
Robbo WRH is well respected as an early pioneer in London graffiti culture. It’s nice to see the trio pay homage to a character so influential in London graffiti’s story. Image quality is shit because it was impossible to take a good photo through the fence. RIP.
Long Dark Tunnel followed 10Foot’s complete takeover of The Big Issue (issue 1658), which features the first ever interview with TOX by Banksy no less, poetry by Irish rap group Kneecap and absolutely no corporate paid adverts in true anarchist style.
Rumour has it, the special edition Big Issue takeover has been one of their best selling magazines of all times. Fair to say it’s been a good week for Big Issue vendors.
There was much more on display at Long Dark Tunnel than what I’ve managed to document. If you’re around in London before it ends, it’s a must see. Respect to 10Foot, TOX25, Fume and everyone else involved. Grab a copy of The Big Issue takeover too, if you can.
