A Wordsmith Joins Forces With An Enigma

Exciting, fresh artwork has cropped up on the Shoreditch streets in recent months.

WRDSMTH, once a successful writer based in LA, who became fascinated by street art, has projected his new inspirational pieces onto Shoreditchian walls of late. His work is emblazoned with his vivid trademark typewriter stencil, and the script being typed is imprinted on a piece of paper, wheat-pasted on the wall above. Crammed full of wit and pithy irony, WRDSMTH’s musings have been captivating passers-by in this vibrant pocket of London’s East End: Shoreditch. Shoreditch is known for its colourful and clever use of graffiti and its feat of transforming this aspect of urban culture into an artform to be reckoned with. At times delightfully whacky and psychedelic, WRDSMTH’s pieces are also awe-inspiringly heartbreaking. He writes, wistfully: “I let you slip through my fingers and that is something I cannot let go.”

The Japanese genius Enigma has also lit up Shoreditch with his haunting image of an other-worldly male. Drilling into your soul all steely-eyed, in a defensive pose, with his arm masking (how apt) his nose and mouth, this figure appears to be giving birth to a litter of ominous ‘black angels’, which are showering out of his head! Fallen angels? Covid ghosts? Or shadows of birds and butterflies? The ambiguity is a powerful force that elevates Enigma’s creation to the lofty heights of WRDSMTH, and even- dare I say it? –  Banksy himself (the king of UK street art). The artist Enigma was based in London pre-pandemic, then went back to Japan, before returning to London permanently.

Expect more from these Titans of Shoreditch in 2022. Keep your eyes peeled!