Welcome to London
I doubt very much 10FOOT ever envisioned his work being displayed in a central London space when repetitiously ‘writing’ his greeting to commuters upon their approach to Euston Station. However, I think it’s fair to say that he has surprised many (for various reasons depending on who you speak to) when really it shouldn’t have.
Subway art in the 1980’s it’s not, but he has undeniably left his mark on the city (literally, and at a high personal price) to the point that most people are subconsciously aware of his presence. For me, I remember the hype when everyone wanted their own snappy tag and were apeing the slickest, most colourful text, with added cartoon character, then later eying his written message as I sat on the top deck of the 16A to Brent Cross which passed under the A406 flyover, and wondering what it all meant.
Like many, I devoured the Big Issue takeover, wanting to understand more about what makes 10FOOT, TOX & FUME, and their spray can addiction, tick. At the same time pondering why I was so consumed with trying to find out the secret location of the PV and how to get an invite before it inevitably leaked on UAA.
The reality is I still don’t really know. 10FOOT has become a staple of the day-to-day, and I can only guess that this is his way of leaving his mark in an unforgiving world where we are all trying to figure out the meaning of our own existence. He made his choices long ago, and continues to feed his habit, which has now successfully led him to deliver a new body of works based on his notorious shenanigans around the A406.
All of the above named have experienced the off-limits side to London, can in hand, navigating varied and dangerous obstacles to have their ‘throw-up’, like the Hollywood sign in LA where all can see.
I arrived at Arts ARKADE approximately 4hrs before the public opening and was 6th in the queue. The guy at the front was there at 8am, his partner dropping off food and drink throughout. Six men chewing the art fat with fervour, engrossed in the moment, a warm and fuzzy vibe, constantly checking Insta for updates, working out our chances of bagging a silver show poster and debating when to change into hi-vis, (long story). At doors open there was a rush upstairs to the ‘goodies’ desk where we were all rewarded for our patience, the queue of hope then stretching all the way back to the escalator and a steady stream making their way in.
Returning to AA on the premature last day to view the show in a more relaxed state (one of over 600 that day alone), I was keen to spend time with the work and get the up close 100FOOT take on road signs offering up everyday reality and showing the underlying reasons behind our commute, normally masked by cold, flat and bland directions.
The disguised voice of 10FOOT talks you through his playtime as you inhale walls of real life before moving onto TOX’s clever use of the tube map palette then FUME’s detailed underground storytelling.
Oh, and don’t forget the hiding spiders in the ceiling, nice touch.
