Street Artist Thierry Noir Reviewed: New Show At Shoreditch Gallery

By Silvia Baretta Last edited 105 months ago
Street Artist Thierry Noir Reviewed: New Show At Shoreditch Gallery ★★★★☆ 4
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Photo credit: Marcus Peel
Bob SmithThierry Noir, Shoreditch Gallery

Londonist Rating: ★★★★☆

French-born and Berlin-based street artist Thierry Noir has an enduring relationship with our city. Last year he presented his first retrospective and painted the walls of the German Embassy to commemorate 25 years since the Berlin Wall was ripped down.

He was one of the first artists to paint the wall at a time when painting on it was forbidden and his trademark painted heads are still visible today at the East Side Gallery in Berlin. To celebrate his art, which survived the wall and is still vivid and meaningful today, Noir returns to Howard Griffin Gallery in Shoreditch with a whole new exhibition: Jazz.

The exhibition explores the strong relationship between art and music present in Noir's artistic practice. As you walk in, you'll be overwhelmed by the gallery walls which have been covered in blue, red, yellow and green and adorned with his extravagant, jazzy and colourful paintings. The artworks on display feature music related figures and themes, like portraits of musicians and records decorated by the artist.

Inside the space, large scale sculptural works and playable musical instruments inspired by Noir's imagery will catch your attention. These unique artworks have been designed and handmade by Greek self-taught artisan Chris Tsonias, who creates musical instruments from recycling material such as textiles, paper, wood and plastic.

Thierry Noir told us about the importance of music in his work:

"I like listening to music while I paint. My favourite music is jazz, because it's a revolutionary music style and represents rebellion within the society. I love listening to James Brown, Art Blakey and Miles Davis."

Don't miss this opportunity to catch up with one of the most interesting artists of our era. And if you're a Hackney local, admire his giant, music-themed mural on 117 Wallis Road in Hackney Wick.

Thierry Noir: Jazz is on until 26 July at Howard Griffin Gallery, 189 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU. Entry to the exhibition is free. For more major art exhibitions see our top openings for July.

Last Updated 29 June 2015