Julie Russell on an exhibition by local photographer Blank Canvas

Photographer Blank Canvas with the photos in their exhibition at the Old Marine Arts Group in Colney Hatch Lane — Blank Canvas at the Old Marine Arts Group

London’s streets tell a thousand stories but not everyone stops to notice them. Local photographer, Blank Canvas, does just that. Her latest exhibition, Ugly Beauty, captures the overlooked features of the city’s streets and graffiti-covered alleyways, reflecting the unexpected artistry others might dismiss as signs of decay. Her work is now taking centre stage in a rather unexpected setting in Barnet: a tattoo studio in Colney Hatch Lane that looks more like an art gallery.

Old Marine Arts Group redefines the look of tattoo studios by creating a modern space where art always comes first. When she’s not out and about capturing the raw unpolished details of London’s streets, you can find former Fortismere student, Blank Canvas, working at a local gym, the Muswell Hill Club. Her work transforms the everyday into something extraordinary, a sentiment that resonates with tattooing, where blank skin becomes a canvas for self-expression.

The Ugly Beauty exhibition is running until the end of April at Old Marine Arts Group, so whether you’re an art lover, a tattoo enthusiast, or someone who would appreciate a fresh perspective on our amazing city, it’s worth a visit. After all, why seek out Banksy when we’ve got Blanksy on our doorstep?

Instagram @blankcanvasnb

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