International street artist Ben Eine has unveiled his latest work in Croydon.
The Londoner has used Inspired Homes’ nine-storey elevation on its Green Dragon development on the fringes of Croydon’s new arts quarter to display the word ‘Mesmerising’.
Ben, 45, said it was a word he has wanted to paint for some time, but he just needed the right canvas.
"I came to Croydon a year ago and decided then that I wanted to get involved in its street art scene; I was just waiting for the right time and the right space to paint.
"Mesmerising is one of my favourite words, it looks and feels right and evokes a range of emotions.
Street scene: Ben Eine with his work at Green Dragon House
"I just needed a space big enough to paint it on and I’ve found it here in Croydon; it fits really well.
“Street art has been instrumental in invigorating urban areas in cities and councils like Croydon are starting to realise the positive benefits that creating a buzzing street art scene can bring to an area.”
The artwork is the latest innovation from Inspired Homes, whose Green Dragon House scheme has received widespread coverage for its community-based approach to development.
Martin Skinner, founder and CEO of Inspired Homes comments: “We’re delighted to be able to support Ben Eine’s inspirational artistic work by offering him a blank canvas in the heart of Croydon’s flourishing art quarter.
Room with a view: Ben Eine beginning his work at Green Dragon House
"It fits with our passion of integrating with the community and encouraging inspiring activity locally.
"It also helps to put Croydon on the map once more, inspiring more people to come and live in this buzzing centre of arts, culture, dining and shopping.”
Croydon’s relationship with art has seen massive growth over the last few years thanks to the town’s multi-billion-pound regeneration programme which has seen dilapidated areas transformed into innovative and inspiring places to live and work.
As a result, parts of Croydon have been turned into a street art canvas with the aim of trying to get as many local people involved as possible whilst attracting renowned artists from further afield, such as Ben Eine, David Hollier, Dotmasters and Femme Fierce.
Inspring change: Ben Eine (centre) with Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison and Councillor Mark Watson
The duo credited for rebuilding Croydon’s art scene is Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison, founder of RISEgallery and Vestalia Chilton in charge of curating the phase two expansion of the artist quarter:
Kevin said: “The public’s appetite for arts and culture in Croydon is incredible really. It’s a very special time for us here.
"We are so lucky to have people like Inspired Homes who support and understand our vision. And what an honour to have Ben here with us.
"The Croydon Mural Project is now underway; it’s going to be a huge year for us ‘literally’ in terms of scale and ambition.”
Vestalia added: “Croydon’s many concrete buildings present a commanding canvas for large scale murals. This is an area deserving of great street art; we hope that many more murals will go up after Ben has completed his.”
Ben Eine’s ‘mesmerising’ mural on the outside of Inspired Homes’ Green Dragon House was completed on Friday, February 26.