Over the last decade, street art has become more and more widespread and grown to be widely accepted as respected art by all generations. Brighton is quickly becoming recognised as one of the UKs most vibrant and creative cities and in this urban environment where multicultural society flourishes, theres open and encouraged space for creativity that you may not find elsewhere in the country. Brighton and the street art scene have developed together and Brighton has long been known as a treasure trove in regard to graffiti art, with incredible pieces full of colour and vibrancy throughout the city.
artrepublic has picked our top three must-see pieces of Brighton street art from around the city. Inspirational? Thought evoking? Beautiful? You can be the judge!
Banksys kissing coppers
Probably the most famous pieces of Brighton street art and one of our all-time favourites! The life-size policemen locked in a passionate embrace and French-kiss was painted by Banksy on the side of the Prince Albert pub before he became known as the master of contemporary graffiti. After spending years subjected to graffiti attacks and exposure to Englands trademark rain and harsh winds, the original Kissing coppers has been replaced with a facsimile, encased in perspex. Next to the replica of Banksys piece you can see a tribute to George Best by a different artist featuring the Mancunian football legend scratching his backside wearing the clubs trademark red shirt and white shorts.
Cassette Lord
If you keep your eyes peeled around Brighton you will come across dozens of dark green phone boxes, converted into vibrant, retro images of music cassettes, DJ mixing desks and 80s ghetto blasters. Martin Middleton; the Cassette Lord, teaches creative art to young people as part of Brightons Artscape project as well as giving his time to Brighton and Hoves Youth Service. Many young people from the councils Youth Offending team have offered a helping hand with the whole Cassette Lord project, learning new, creative skills in the process.
Pure Evil at artrepublic
In May 2011 Pure Evil came to Brighton and did some work on the outside of artrepublics Brighton gallery. The image is his homage to Andy Warhols iconic portrait of the late Elizabeth Taylor. This is also available as a limited edition silkscreen in yellow or orange entitled Richard Burton's Nightmare - First Marriage and Richard Burton's Nightmare - Second Marriage, a reference to the fact the two actors were married to each other twice, both of which ended acrimoniously.
Adding to the already beautiful seaside scenery, the city and artists are working together to turn what was considered a public nuisance into a legitimate and treasured part of the Brighton experience. Working with galleries such as artrepublic, specialists in
limited edition prints, street art is gradually losing the stigma to become acknowledged as a highly regarded art form.
