On any given night in London there is something going on; fashion events, swanky parties, high powered networking, exhibitions, showcases and performances, and so the list goes on still.
We are a city which celebrates both the old and the new, a city which encourages expression from its inhabitants and seeks to inspire. From the graffitied underpasses to the buskers under ground to the world famous architecture on our door steps, us Londoners get to surround ourselves with art everyday.
This month the place to be for a dose of creativity is just a stroll from Waterloo station. Set down a grimy backstreet splattered with street art, the heady smell of marijuana hangs in the air as you make your way towards The House of Vans. Built into the old railway arches, its raw exposed brickwork, dank lighting and musty smell are a far from what you would expect of most galleries. But down here groups of youths gather to skate and create with one another as they let their imaginations loose over concrete bowls, art installations, workshops and concert stages. House of Vans inspires every person who runs, rolls, or stomps through its door and their latest installation which exhibits photography from some of London’s up and coming artists is no different.
Independent Photography Festival
Founded in Melbourne in 2012, the Independent Photography Festival (IPF) is an annual, multi city celebration of photography, its application and practice aiming to introduce autonomous, passionate and progressive photographers who are creating for the love of shooting and shooting for the love of creating.
Independent Photography Festival
Making its way back to a fully renovated House of Vans this May photographers and photo enthusiasts of all descriptions and disciplines from all corners of the globe have been invited to submit images for this collaborative piece. From the fascinating to the thought provoking, to the beautiful and the downright odd the IPF exhibit is a unique look into the subcultures of our city and the talent of those yet to be discovered.
Running until the 26 May the IPF exhibition is well worth a visit and while you peruse the collective and cast your vote take some time to think how lucky we are to live in a city that creates and then invites those creatives to explore and showcase their talents at every turn, and sometimes even in the most unexpected of places.