Art and soul
WHO sprayed that squiggle there? And what is that meant to be? It looks like an elephant riding a motorbike.
We have all seen bits of graffiti that are frankly rubbish and look like they've been drawn by a three-year-old who has knocked back too much orange squash, but that does not mean that anything that has ever been sprayed on a wall should be consigned to Room 101.
We dare you to check out these 10 simply stunning works of art that can all be found on the streets of Brixton and tell us they are not works of art. 1. Michelle Obama – Dorrell Place
Defiant. This portrait of the former US first lady was reportedly created by artist Dreph in celebration of the release of her autobiography Becoming. The powerful piece of art is unmissable to anyone walking along Brixton Road. Beautiful. 2. This awesome tribute under a Brixton railway bridge
Even the constant thud of trains overhead does not spoil this masterpiece. In your face, it proudly welcomes visitors to the area – and there is no way someone spots this and thinks they are in Dulwich. 3. David Bowie - Tunstall Road
There's a Starman waiting – on the side of Morley's department store. This giant mural of legendary musician David Bowie is the first port of call for many people leaving Brixton station. The icon grew up a few streets away and the piece of street art, which was created back in 2013, has become a must-visit memorial. 4. If only all railway bridges looked like this
It is now preserved by plastic to protect it from the elements. Nice little messages are painted on either side of this bridge on Brixton Road. On one side the bright graffiti reads Come in Love, while on the other it says Stay in Peace. Fabulous. 5. Notes to Strangers – Nursery Road
How about this to brighten up someone's day. Notes to Strangers is a brilliant concept by Andy Leek which involves leaving inspirational quotes at different locations around London. We want to see some more of these. 6. One Love – Stockwell Avenue
Along Stockwell Avenue there is a whole host of graffiti by Unify, including a stern looking bird and a young girl holding a heart-shaped balloon. This is our favourite, though, and shows a child playing with wooden bricks reading One Love. 7. This huge mural on Pope's Road
Towering over the pavement at a side entrance to the quirky Brixton Village Market is this remarkable image.
Created by London-based British Ghanaian artist Neequaye Dreph Dsane, the 20ft tall mural depicts local legend Michael Johns. 8. Rappers - Atlantic Road
Stretched out along the shutters of hip-hop themed chippy Chip Shop Bxtn are the faces of some of the most famous rappers in history. The Notorious B.I.G, Big L and 2Pac stretch along Atlantic Road to Coldhabour Lane. 9. Johnny Bravo – Electric Lane
Rock on through Electric Avenue and down a side road is this famous, yellow-headed, shades-wearing cartoon character. A bold looking Johnny Bravo sneers at passers-by and brightens the side road up no end. 10. Portraits – Beehive Place
Near to the now derelict Brixton railway arches is a gallery of vibrant portraits and sculptures. “The people were vibrant, the music was vibrant, they dressed vibrant”, reads a silver plaque accompanying the art.