Soul Gazer: The startling image of a homeless man on a wall in Bethnal Green

Jerome Davenport’s most recent piece Soul Gazer, inspired by a homeless man from London. Pic: Jerome Davenport

A startling image of a homeless man on a wall in Bethnal Green is the latest work by the 28-year-old east London street artist Jerome Davenport.

“My inspiration behind the piece stems from my early days in graffiti and urban art,” Davenport said of the painting, called Soul Gazer.

“I began painting black and white portraits, specifically of the homeless or rough sleepers,” he added.

The work can be found on the corner of St. Matthews Row and Bethnal Green Road.

The artist explained: “The image is based on a photo of a homeless gentleman from London. The image really resonated with me and the space. It’s the third time I have painted the space but nothing really jelled as much as this portrait, you really see it when you walk up to it from a distance.”

Another piece by Jerome also in Bethnal Green. Pic: Jerome Davenport

Piece by Jerome Davenport in Hague Street, Bethnal Green. Pic: Jerome Davenport

Mural by Jerome Davenport in Blackburn. Pic: Jerome Davenport

Although Davenport is originally from a small town in Western Australia, he now considers Bethnal Green his home: “I love the area and how the diverse culture is.”

Apart from Bethnal Green, he has also worked in Shoreditch and believes these areas of the city have helped him to grow as an artist: “My time in east London has been a big learning curve and I’ve come to follow a few different artists.

“One in particular would have to be Jim Vision. His persistence to continually paint and his subject matter and concepts are worth reading into and caring about.”

Davenport believes that 2018 will be a big year for his projects in east London: “I have three more full building pieces looking to be completed by the end of the year and also a Suffragettes commemorative piece in conjunction with International Women’s Day.”