GENT 48 - Exclusive original artwork
We are beyond excited that internationally acclaimed artist Gent 48 makes the move from street walls for the blue walls of Seventh Circle Moseley.
A long-standing member of Birmingham’s finest “Graffiti Gentry,” Joshua Billingham, aka Gent 48, carries the lofty title, and even loftier reputation, for being one of Birmingham’s most talented and prolific graffiti writers.
Gent is well known, locally and internationally for his distinctive street art pieces and public art murals featuring his instantly recognisable style, a style firmly rooted and directly connected to street art, graffiti and its culture. Caricature style faces and figures, bold colours and multiple layers create depth in his work, distort perception, subvert reality, through his signature blend and fade technique.
We were delighted when Gent 48 approached Seventh Circle to be the first art gallery to work with as he makes the transition from street art to fine art.
He has planned a body of work, featuring a set of paintings exclusive to Seventh Circle, that will be showcased in the gallery and sold through our website. And if that isn’t enough excitement in one email we also need to tell you that two of his gigantic sized pieces are already framed and up on our gallery walls!
Viewing his original artwork up close and personal, has a whole different kind of impact compared to the works that adorn brick and mortar. He is creating work that still has the essence of the streets he loves, but these pieces are works of self-analysis with an element of catharsis. This new work has an added emotional charge that brings extra interest and intrigue to his work.
"Dead Inside and Damaged Goods are chances to explore and look inwards, tapping into my own memories and feelings of anxiety, regret and the struggles connected with certain life experiences". Joshua says,
We understand that there are differing views around street art and graffiti now becoming art available to buy in galleries - Banksy being the obvious example of an artist who came from the streets and now has gallery shows and auctions.
But don’t worry folks, we at Seventh Circle have checked his paintings and we can reassure all future buyers that Gent’s magnificent pieces won’t be going through a shredder anytime soon.
Words by Mitch Schofield
Instagram @theatticartstudio
