It was a total thrill to hang out in Southside on a sunny Saturday in May as some incredibly talented artists took part in the International Graffiti Jam as part of the B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival 2018. The free festival, now in its 3rd year celebrates all things hip-hop with a joyous range of dance and rap battles, live music, workshops and street art.
Birmingham artist Hoakser recently worked on the Ready Player One movie which was partly shot in Digbeth. I love the creepiness of this figure and the contrast with the orange and white colours. It’s as if he’s writing a list of souls to take across the River Styx.
A totally awesome threeway collaboration saw this wall transformed by Rasko, who had travelled over from Moscow, Gent 48 and Void One. An incredible wall! That blue colour pops with serious punch.
Graffiti artist Amelia Thomas signs her work Unity – for Unity of self and my hope for the world around me. An absolutely fantastic message. It was a pleasure to watch her skillfully create this work.
This is one of my favourite pieces of the whole weekend, it’s very unique both content and characterwise. Those skyscrapers are kwl.
Credit: millimagic.com
Loved this work in progress by Kid Kash, that funky character has definitely got the moves like Jagger.
The finished piece is below. I wish I looked this great when I strut my stuff. The legend on the ladder is Gent 48 and he created some absolute stormers over the weekend.
Credit: www.facebook.com/bside2018/
This extraordinary piece is a collaboration with AROE and is on the side of the Dixy Chicken on Hurst Street.
Gent 48 famously collaborated with Newso on the below piece which is in Digbeth and was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Body Shop.
On the opposite wall is this banger by London artist Chik.
Smack bang in the middle of Hurst street was this cool character by Skema
Another great piece by Rasko.
Fantastic details in this wall by Monermah
Inside the Hippodrome foyer was this mammoth creation by That Bloke Wilson which took a huge effort over the two days to complete.
Credit: www.instagram.com/thatblokewilson
The great news is that the B-SIDE Festival has been confirmed to return in May 2019. You really need to check it out as there is so much to enjoy, see and do. Check the Birmingham Hippodrome website for details nearer the time.
