Whilst it officially launches today, observant locals may have noticed a few strange additions to Croydon town centre this week…
As part of ‘Unexpected Croydon’, eight art installations have taken over buildings to attract people of all ages to the high street. From a striking lizard to a giant beanstalk – there’s plenty to look out for.
The project is being led by Croydon BID, who have worked with pioneering design company Designs In Air, to create this inflatable 3D street art gallery.
The giant installations can be found at the below locations (until 18th August) and if you snap and share them on Instagram (using checkoutcroydon and #UnexpectedCroydon) you could win a £100 Boxpark gift card.
- Paintbrush – Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, CR9 1DG
- Rocket – AMP house, Dingwall Rd, East Croydon, CR0 2LX
- Lizard – Ruskin Square Car Park, Dingwall Rd, East Croydon, CR0 2NB
- Monster fingers – LSBU Campus, 3 Wellesley Rd, Croydon, CR0 2NW
- Eyeballs – Barclays Bank, High Street, Noth End, CR9 1SX
- Pencil – High Street, North End
- Beanstalk – Croydon Town Hall, Katharine St, CR0 1NX
- Tentacles – Optivo, Grosvenor House, 125 High St, Croydon, CR0 9XP
As Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon BID explains: “Our high streets need something different. They need creativity, innovation, and a reimagining. Unexpected Croydon brings together a host of incredible art installations, bringing to life key parts of our town centre to attract people with a free trail that will enthrall all ages at a time when we need a little light relief.”
Luke Egan and Pete Hamilton (aka Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas) are the artists behind Designs in Air. Their surreal sculptures have been impressing folks from around the world at major events and exhibitions such as the 2012 Olympics, The Eden Project and Cirque du Soleil.
As Luke Egan says: “Our main motive is to make the world a more surreal and colourful place. Our sculptures are often site specific and instantly transform everyday scenes into strange new ones. We hope to get people to look up from their feet and phones and raise a chuckle or at least an eyebrow! Our sculptures can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, and although our designs are highly technical, it’s not high art, but it is high UP art! The great thing is everyone gets to see our work for free.”
Photos (courtesy of the Croydon Photographer)
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