Jul 8, 2023
Electric Stormz
Why?
For my winning submission for the @centralewhitgift Croydon art trail I decided to depict Stormzy. Not only did I choose him for his music, I chose Stormzy as he has always tried to elevate and support his community and amplify issues some are too afraid to identify. He uses his platform (not that he should have to) to ask the questions that may make some people feel uncomfortable, the ones that are necessary to forge a better world.
Meaning
I chose to call the piece ‘Electric Stormz’ as an electrical current does not depend on a light (Truth) to exist.
But without a lightbulb, that energy flowing through the wall would not be visible. To actualise its power, electricity needs vessels (Stormzy) Without containers that reduce and limit its overwhelming force, electricity’s potential would remain invisible (ignorance). I have used the colours of the Ghanaian flag to celebrate Stormzy & his families African origin, one ingredient of the diverse melting pot of cultures that is Croydons population.
Inspiration
I had to choose three songs that represented my submission. The three I chose all Featured Croydon based Artists I listened to growing up. I’ve either personally met, or seen all the artists live and they all portray Croydon’s imagination, cultural influence & boldness. Several of them were pioneers in creating the genre Dubstep born in Croydon.
1. Forefather – Benga & Kano
2. Crossover – Magnetic Man & Katy B
3. Know me from – Stormzy
The QR code that sits next to the piece will give you a link to the three pieces of music.
Thanks to The Art trail for picking my submission to represent Croydon’s iconic and flourishing Music scene.
Electric Stormz Print
Unique hand finished prints inspired by the piece are available with a percentage donated to the Merky Foundation. A limited run of Prints on both sizes on 180gsm Matt Paper. Hand signed in pure gold & numbered.
Sizes:
A1 £39.95
A0 £54.95
Shipped World wide 🌎
Print will be rolled in a tube.
Jul 7, 2023
Homelessness is not a choice, but rather a journey that many find themselves in.
Art Trail and Alec’s Artwork:
Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, proudly presents the captivating ‘Croydon Stands Tall’ art trail, an unmissable 10-week experience from August 21st to October 27th. Transforming the streets of Croydon into an open-air gallery, the trail features over 30 majestic giant giraffe sculptures, each a unique canvas reflecting the creativity of local artists, schools, and communities. Among these remarkable creations, stands Alec’s giraffe sculpture for the charity Crisis & @centralewhitgift.
This @wildinart Croydon Stands Tall art trail will see dozens of giraffes hit the Croydon streets in August. The piece is called ‘Concrete Jungle’ takes inspiration from the town centre and Croydon’s green spaces. “The thing I love about Croydon most is its complex diversity, not just in its cultures, styles, food, music & ethnicities, but in its landscape & rich heritage, I wanted to represent the borough through a blend of the green of a jungle (as Croydon is one of London’s greenest boroughs) with the more commonly known citified, concrete landscape that dominates the centre. At the same time, it is a mixed-media, abstract eruption of vibrant colour and patterns celebrating the distinctive blend of people in Croydon”. All the money raised from the auctions of the giraffes will go to @crisis_uk to help combat homelessness in Croydon. This art trail is part of London’s borough of culture 2023.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
More than an artistic showcase, the ‘Croydon Stands Tall’ trail serves a greater purpose. Following weeks of admiration, exploration, and engagement, these stunning giraffe sculptures unite for a farewell weekend before embarking on a new journey. Through a special auction event, these artworks will find new homes while raising essential funds for Crisis Skylight Croydon. Crisis Skylight Croydon is dedicated to tackling homelessness and its underlying causes, providing vital support to those in need. By joining the ‘Croydon Stands Tall’ experience, you’re not only embracing the beauty of art but also contributing to meaningful change in the community.
Concrete Jungle has had some great coverage in the press. Being shown on The BBC and ITV as well as many newspapers.
Creating a Legacy
After being selected as one of the professional artists to represent the trail I wanted my students to have the experience to exhibit their art in a public space whilst also contributing to their community. A whole school inclusive project where every child submitted at-least one entry to represent our school in design and name. I chose the winner ‘Puzzle’ for the children to paint.
Over 500 fingerprints are represented on Puzzle’s base from all pupils and adults that attend the school
I have teamed up with some young people to create their own giraffe.
After the success of our first Giraffe ‘Puzzle’ we are asked by Croydon Bid to create a second which we named ‘Tropicanta’ Please check out the Croydon Stands Tall App to find out more.
I look forward to working with Wild in Art again soon.
