Do a mental mash up Henry Chalfant's “Style Wars” with … oh, let's say … Constable and you might get some idea of what infamous East London graff artist Sweet Toof's new studio works are like. It's a grim, death riddled world he depicts, with desperate forces assembling to spread vibrant and illicit pinks and greens across an otherwise drab and neutral landscape.
After years as a constant to London's eastern cityscape, the artist's super toothy/super gummy signature is as refreshing as ever and works as well on the gallery wall as it does a Brick Lane shutter. There's a movement and urgency to these works – and you'd do yourself a favour viewing them for yourself.
Considerably more subtle, Shan Hur's excavation-installations add to the sombre tone of Toof's paintings and remind viewers that, often, the more interesting story rests beneath the surface – especially in this town. Together Toof and Hur offer a brilliant opportunity to ogle some visual wonder and ponder novel concepts.
Having a Dig runs until the 3rd of February at Arch402 (Cremer St, E2 8HD, very near Hoxton Station). Visit the gallery online at www.arch402.com.
Photo/Chris Osburn
