Mason Newman, the 24-year old Birmingham-born street artist, will transform three large spaces in The Sidings into a gallery bringing his vision to life. ‘Hi Friend’ sees him teaming up with creative hub Hyper Hyper to offer fans the opportunity to view and purchase his work.
Described by Wonderland Magazine as a ‘trailblazing street artist,’ Newman explores themes of celebrity, sex, wealth and mass consumerism through his own perspective and that of his character, Gyal. His innovative approach has gained global recognition and Mason counts Madonna and clothing designer Ed Hardy as fans. The artist collaborated with the singer on her Material Girl fashion collection and produced 40 handpainted pieces for the Ed Hardy label. He is the first artist to have his art put on Ed Hardy clothes except for founder Don Ed Hardy, "The God Father of Modern Tattoos,"
“Hi Friend is my Romeo and Juliet.”
Describing the exhibition, Newman said “Hi Friend is an introduction to my works and style. To have my debut exhibition here in The Sidings, Waterloo is cool. I’ve always said the internet is my version of “Shakespeare's Globe theatre” with this being a 20-minute walk away feels like a weird manifestation, Hi Friend is my Romeo and Juliet.”
‘Hi Friend’ runs exclusively at Leake Street Arches’ neighbour The Sidings from February 3 through to February 29 and features 40 original canvases, signed prints and an exclusive merchandise collection.
