Sculptural Graffiti

Three months of sculpture workshops with young people, using their graffiti skills as the basis for three-dimensional work, culminates in an exhibition of massive fibreglass 'sculptural graffiti'.

Celebrating the diversity of London communities, the power and vibrancy of graffiti, and the opinions and ideas of young people, the sculptures are accompanied by visuals illuminating the project and urban youth culture.

Sculptural Graffiti began as a residency for young people in Lewisham, Tower Hamlets, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Brent. The aim of the project was to utilise their energy, focus it into new skills and bring graffiti into a proper space of appreciation and understanding for all parties involved.

The sculpture workshops covered modelling in clay, using spray foam and carving in polystyrene, accompanied by slide shows and discussions on art history. The groups consisted of youth centre members and young offenders, and the project concludes with the creation of full-scale fibreglass three-dimensional graffiti, designed by the young people and made by Joel Gray. As well as introducing the young people to a new art form and broadening their awareness of their environment and the available space and channels for expression, the project hopes to strengthen partnerships between youth services, police and young people, and to build a mutual appreciation of graffiti as an art form in its appropriate space.

The fibreglass sculptures move to The Barbican Underground Station from May 16 for six weeks.

Joel Gray and Emma Gray give great thanks to:

The Crypt Club - Alvin, Julie, Sylvia and all the young people; The Ensign Youth Club - Zainab, Kamel and all the young people; Edmund Attobrah and MTS; Jody Barton; Dimitri Launder; Joni Rokotnitz; Simon McGary; Mark Sinckler; Gary Budd; Geoff Gray & Aegis Rubber Engineering; Rob Harvey & Live Nation; All at Shroom - Alex Hatjoullis, Chris, Kristoff, Nick; Justin Moul & Aduki Website Design; All the Artists that took part in Jamnesty; Ollie and Wide Dis; Stephen & Michael Moshi Moshi; Moira McClatchey; Nick Kennedy & The People Show; Simon Innocent; Minna Halmetoja; Lisa Jensen and all at 291 Gallery; All at Amnesty UK; Viviana Lotti; Julki Ghosh; Katherine Harvey; Vanessa Dell; Katie Sansom; Nick & Don't Panic; Cassie Gray & mates; Bondaglass; Flint Hire; Stockwell Park Motors; Paul Vanstone; Agra Restaurant

Sculptural Graffiti is produced by 21st Century Art and funded by London Arts.