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Ben Eine, celebrated street artist, has taken over as Guest Editor of The Big Issue to create an exclusive Arts Special Edition.The exhibition has now been extended due to popular demand (and corona)
The globally renowned artist has curated a one-off edition of the magazine sold by sellers to lift themselves out of poverty, bringing together over 60 different street artists from around the world. Much of the artwork contributed within the 52 page magazine will feature in an exhibition at Jealous Gallery, Shoreditch, London, from Thursday 12th to Thursday 22nd March. Some of the biggest names in street art from around the world, including Pure Evil, Obey, D*Face, Fanakapan, Shok 1, Lauren YS, Okuda and Vhils to mention a few are collaborating with Ben Eine’s creative studio, OurTypes and exhibiting their work for sale. The majority of profits will go to The Big Issue.
The theme of the show is ‘UP’ inspired by The Big Issue’s mantra ‘a hand up not a hand out’, in reference to its efforts to empower those in poverty to generate an income by selling its iconic magazine. Eine has created three very special, and hugely collectible, front covers on the theme of UP. Each eye-catching and highly collectable design carries a version of his signature typography. In partnership with The Big Issue, Eine will be releasing a small run of limited edition prints, with a percentage of sales going directly to The Big issue to support their work in dismantling poverty. Eine is one of the most celebrated street artists in the world and a pioneer of graffiti letterforms. He also designed an exclusive ‘CELEBRATE’ cover to mark the sale of the 200 millionth copy of The Big Issue in 2016 and has been a friend and supporter of the magazine ever since.
Guest editing The Big Issue has given me the chance to represent street art from my perspective, covering topics as diverse as graffiti and prison to the London Mural Festival. Getting ‘Up’ as a graffiti writer is driven by selfish motivations but it led me to street art, a platform where I can now speak up on important matters alongside all those involved in writing and selling The Big Issue.
Ben Eine, 2020
“Guest editing The Big Issue has given me the chance to represent street art from my perspective, covering topics as diverse as graffiti and prison to the London Mural Festival,” said Eine. “Getting ‘Up’ as a graffiti writer is driven by selfish motivations but it led me to street art, a platform where I can now speak up on important matters alongside all those involved in writing and selling The Big Issue.” Big Issue Editor, Paul McNamee, said: “It’s a magazine to knock your socks off. Ben and his team at Ourtypes have put together a visual feast. They’ve spread their net around the world and come through with an incredible collection of artists. Each time we work with guest editors, it’s a huge thrill, but it’s also a leap into the unknown. “Ben has lit it like a bright burning kaleidoscope. It starts with three collectible covers and carries you all the way through pages bursting with ideas and images, to an incredible exhibition. Get The Big Issue and keep an eye on social media for more info as the week progresses.”
Rise Up' by Ben Eine, 2020
Amongst the must-see elements in the special takeover Big Issue are an interview with Shepherd Fairey, the artist who came to widespread fame after creating the Obama HOPE poster, the respected but normally shadowy 1UP collective, a look at the theft of ideas and intellectual property of street artists by major corporations, Blondie founder Chris Stein, plus some SIXTY original works by some of the biggest names in global street art. The magazine also includes an exclusive interview with Maeve Doyle, internationally renowned curator, artistic director of Maddox Gallery, podcaster and broadcaster for the BBC who has spoken to Eine about rebellion, the power of art and becoming a Big Issue guest editor. The Art Special Edition, available with three iconic covers designed and curated by Ben Eine, is on sale from Big Issue vendors across the UK for £2.50 from Monday 9th March.
Shop the artwork
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Mad In Britain - Fluro Yellow
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Mad In Britain - Orange
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Mad In Britain - Pink
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Mad In Britain - Red
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Mad In Britain - Yellow
Ben Eine
UK Based Artist
Born in London, Ben Eine is one of the most successful street artists in the world and is regarded as a pioneer in the exploration of graffiti letterforms. Originally a writer, Eine started his career over 25 years ago, leaving his first tag all over London before developing his distinct typographic style. Eine’s aim was to point out that street art is distinct from graffiti. He believed “street artists want to add something to the environment. They consider the audience, whereas graffiti writers don’t care about anyone except themselves, they do it purely for the kick”. Eine's bright and colourful letters were created to stand out from the usual tags and dubs seen on the streets and can still be found in areas of East London. These letters appear on shop shutters and often spell whole words across walls. Eine first came to prominence in the “commercial” graffiti scene through his symbiotic partnership with London graffiti artist Banksy. In 2010 the UK Prime Minister David Cameron gifted his artwork to President Obama, while a particular area of the East End was named ‘Alphabet City’ after his colourful array of shopfront ‘shutter art’. Currently Ben Eine’s work is held in the permanent collections of the V&A, London, The Museum of Modern Art, Los Angeles and galleries worldwide, while his street art works can be seen all over the world, most recently he completed a huge mural on the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
