Unleashing Volcanic Energy Through Street Art
Under the alias ‘SELL OUT’, British street artist Alex Arnell transforms Shoreditch’s walls into platforms of raw, unrestrained expression. His explosive brushstrokes and wild pastel colors create haunting figures that seem to shout straight from the walls, releasing pent-up emotions like a volcanic eruption in the heart of Brick Lane and Shoreditch (London).
Arnell’s characters are not the type you’d want to encounter in a dark alley, yet the crowd drawn to his creations proves that these pieces have captivated London’s imagination, supplanting old urban nightmares with his modern, visceral artistry.
Unique Vision, Vivid Characters
Arnell’s individualistic approach brings his figures – often clowns or disturbingly animated characters – to life, giving his street art the feel of an unstoppable, chaotic train. His work erupts with bold, jarring colors that emphasize his “unhinged” characters: wide-mouthed, intimidating, and designed to unsettle. This distinctive, almost unruly style merges clashing but pure tones to create larger-than-life personalities that viewers can’t ignore.
From Academic Foundations to Street Cred
With a BFA with Honors from the University of East Anglia and a strong background in gallery exhibitions and teaching children’s art classes, one might expect Arnell’s work to reflect a more traditional approach. Instead, his street art maintains a raw, rebellious quality, possibly fueled by his dual role as an artist and educator in London’s schools. The contrast between his studio practice and his work with young students shapes the wildly original characters he chooses to showcase on the streets, making Alex Arnell a distinct force in the world of contemporary street art.
http://alexarnell.squarespace.com
@alex.arnell
This post is part of a dedicated series of posts on street art and graffiti in London
Among the Artists Featured in Posts About London:
Otto Schade, Zabou, Nerone, Banksy, Alice, ROA, Pasquini, Soker Uno, Gary Stanger, Irony, Dan Kitchener, Voydor, Fanakapan, DRT, Sr.X, Decolife, JXC, Marija Tiurina, Ansley Randall, Woskerski, Ben Wilson, Luke Smile, Nerone, MadC, Rosie Woods, Camille Walala, David Shillinglaw, Fin DAC, Clifton Street, Stik, Dale Grimshaw, Busk One, Bambi, C215, Phlegm, Pegasus, Invader, Jonesy, Frankie Strand, Alex Arnell, Sweet Toof, Amara Por Dios, Fanakapan, Eine, Jimmy C, Aspire, Red Romes, Nol, Mort Murray, VKM, Smackas, Benzi Brofman, Cap Sprays, Pad, Francois Got, Hunto, Alex Face, Ansley Randall, Fat Cap Sprays, Eska, Mister Tris, Snik, Mr Doodle, Shona Hardie, Abraham.O, Woskerski, Damitta, David Speed, David Puck, Olivier Roubieu, Fiya101, DFace, Layla, TRUST.iCON, Alo, Pixie, Frank Riot, Nathan Bowen
