Summer 2019 was Croydon’s first Ends Festival where I was the resident artist & my work was scattered around the festival and either side of the main stage. The late Nipsey Hustle was supposed to perform at the festival along with Nas, Damian Marley, Wizkid, Burna Boy etc but was killed months before the festival.
I remember when Nip first burst on the scene many years ago when my cousin Jordan bought him to my attention. A unique style & outlook on life. “While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighbourhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential,” Obama said.
He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going. His choice to set an example for young people to follow — is a legacy worthy of celebration. I hold these same values for our Croydon.
I chose to paint his attire in purple (Red & Blue) to portray the peace between LA Blood & Crip Street gangs that Nipseys tragic passing inspired after decades of fighting.
I’m honoured to have been commissioned for this piece by the festival & this piece will be hand delivered to his family in LA by one of the festivals leaders as a gift.
Spray paint, Acrylic, posca & gold leaf on bespoke canvas.
Some images of the pieces of art commissioned & some of the people that enjoyed and shared the artworK.
