Scrolling through artist Sebas Velasco’s Instagram feed, his obsession with derelict buildings, walls in general and street art is clear. After many paintings and explorations around the UK, the street artist debuts his first mural in London, entitled A Lasting Place. It is located at 12 Cobbett Street in Brixton and is inspired by a track from British musician Loyle Carner’s third album, Hugo. The mural depicts a boy, as far as we know a Brixton resident, standing slightly off-centre in front of the railway line at night. The work was in fact created following an exploration of the area, meeting and photographing people in the neighbourhood. Sebas Velasco’s work opens the London Mural Festival, which this year with the theme Connection will be held from 7 to 29 September.

Sebas Velasco’s statement

«I have always been very interested in social architecture, but I had no idea that London, particularly Brixton, was so rich in these aesthetics,» said Velasco. «The wall, like the neighbourhood and the subject, had so much character, and I am grateful for the creative freedom and support of the team that allowed me to fully explore this. From the photographic staging with my long-time collaborator Jose Delou, to the painting of the final work, I am very pleased with this, my first mural in London.»

Connection is the theme

Connection – the theme of this year’s London Mural Festival – is a central theme in Velasco’s work, both in his studio creations and public art. Through his many travels, he documents urban life-capturing architecture, cars, streets and the people who navigate through these spaces. Bridging the gap between past and present, Velasco elevates our shared human experience, creating works that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Courtesy Sebas Velasco