Alex

Alex is a spray paint graffitti artist in the Leake Street Arches, near Waterloo station.

He chatted to me for quite a while about his life as a spray-painter. It's a role that has taken him around the world, and he goes into schools to talk about spray painting.

On his phone he showed me a photo of the first portrait he's painted, his father. It is a lovely tribute to his dad. he has since been commisioned to do portraits for people, so hi hobby does pay.

Alex has been spray painting for more than 20 years and takes care to respect the work of others, but is very happy to overpaint work he knows he can cover with better art. He wasn't easy to photograph, as he was constantly moving, but I think I got his character here?

Information here about the arches, the section on rules is interesting reading https://www.leakestreetarches.london/

[Susan Wakely]

You have captured him well. He was a great character.

[Hazel]

You've made the most of this photographic opportunity: beautifully presented, Jackie!

[Issi Bannerman]

What a fabulous collage and introduction to this young artist. Love it!

[narayani]

He looks a fun guy

[katy]

This is really really an exciting collage. You captured his essence. He looks like somebody that would have been very interesting to talk with.

[Christine Sztukowski]

Cool

[Rob Z]

Great collection of shots showing him creating such a colourful result. Thanks for that link - it answered so many questions. And, what a super reuse for that area ...

[Babs]

So interesting to see an artist at work.

[Peter]

Lovely images well presented Jackie:)

[Kathy A]

Great collage

[Joan Robillard]

+He is a vandal

[Kathy]

Hello Alex. I like the mural as the background for the photos.

[Mary Siegle]

You absolutely did capture him. I love the way you’ve arranged this. He looks like a super person to meet and talk to.