Mexican artist Oskar Laffont is exhibiting his work at a gallery in the centre of town, and Londonist popped in last night to meet him as part of the impressive Fitzrovia Lates series of gallery openings on the last Thursday of each month.
Gracing the walls of the Fred London Gallery just north of Oxford Circus, his series of graphic black and white illustrations reimagine London after mankind has ceased to exist and nature has taken back our iconic landmarks.
Londonist readers will be familiar with the landmarks, but not like this: The Shard cracked and deteriorating with shrubs pushing out onto the skyline; an over-grown Tower of London taken over by cows and ravens, one playing with a long-gone Yeoman's hat; rhinos and monkeys charging down the Mall, one with a royal crown precariously balanced. There is decay, there is rejuvenation, there is hope - and not a little bit of humour. We loved them.
Oskar Laffont: The London Project is at Fred [London], 17 Riding House Street, W1. The exhibition is free and open until 6pm, Tuesday-Saturday up to the 23 February.
