Ten pieces of street art have been commissioned by InExeter, and feature all around the city. This collection aims to create a map and trail of the artwork, for visitors and locals to follow, and to celebrate talent and community.
Perhaps the most recognisable of this collection, is a series by Paul Monsters & Mister Samo, commonly with Picasso-style figures and the words ‘You Are Loved’ scribed, feature across the city. Samo, a transgender artist based in Portsmouth, creates advocacy through art, focussing on gender identity and creating a diverse and accepting environment in the community; some of the figures are even pictured with scars below their chest, hinting at top surgery, dismissing stigma, and normalising gender-affirming surgery! For the more traditional art lovers, a William Morris inspired piece is part of these ten, and can be seen on King William Street, by the artist Philth.
As well as the ten commissions, there are so many beautiful artworks dotted around Exeter. Those living in the Mount Pleasant area, may be familiar with Steve McCracken. Each day, on my way to campus, while living at Monks Road, I would see the artwork of two birds, who we now know as ‘Sid’, on the side of a house. Another of his works can be seen by the Quay.
As well as the ten commissions, there are so many beautiful artworks dotted around Exeter.
Hollie-Jay Storer by Vhils, is Exeter’s most iconic piece of street art, featured on the High Street. The artwork shows a face, painted with so much delicacy, that it looks to be part of the brick work. Vhils’s artwork can be seen all over the world.
Though not part of the ten commissions, one of my favourite pieces of street art in Exeter is a mural from the book The Boy, The Horse, The Fox, and the Mole by Charlie Mackesy. First brought to my attention by a therapist, the book, which I highly recommend, follows the four beings and their journey through hardship, and to friendship. Though seemingly a children’s book on the surface, the book made me cry several times, and the movie adaptation – even more so! An illustration of the book featuring the quote ‘What do you want to be when you grow up? “Kind” said the boy’ can be seen on a wall close to the bus station, on route to St Luke’s.
