Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase a product through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating high-quality content.
READY TO BE AMAZED? SOUTHEND’S STREET ART SCENE AWAITS!
A Celebration of Urban Art: Southend City Jam
Southend-on-Sea, a vibrant seaside town with a rich artistic heritage, explodes with colour and creativity each year during the renowned Southend City Jam. This three-day festival, organized by the Southend-on-Sea City Council, Southend Tourism Partnership, and spearheaded by local artist veterans Karl Sims (Ster UPC) and Steve Hart (Ekto.1), is a celebration of all things street art.
As a result, the festival boasts a remarkable display of artistic talent, transforming the city centre and seafront with hundreds of murals. From local heroes to national and international names, over 200 street artists converge on Southend, showcasing their diverse styles and techniques on both permanent and temporary walls.
Read on to learn the locations of the ever-changing canvas that is Southend-on-Sea and the talented artists behind the masterpieces.
WESTERN ESPLANDE – SOUTHEND PIER
Bucking Carousel Unicorn by Jim Vision (Southend City Jam 2022)
On the side of The Waterfront Chippy, you’ll find Jim Vision’s whimsical mural “Bucking Carousel Unicorn”. Children with bright smiles and windblown hair gleefully ride a majestic unicorn carousel. Watch out for the cheeky seagulls swooping down in the background – just like in real life, they’re eyeing your ice cream!
Pinkbeard by Ejits (Southend City Jam 2023)
Ejits, a Bristol-based artist, brings a playful pirate to life on the side of the Pier Lift. “Pinkbeard” challenges gender stereotypes with its design, making it a thought-provoking piece as well.
Woman and Leopard by Spray Saint (Southend City Jam 2022)
A striking image graces the side of the Twenty One cafe – a woman standing confidently alongside a leopard. This creation by Spray Saint is sure to stop you in your tracks.
99 Problems (But a Flake Ain’t One) by Aspire (Southend City Jam 2022)
Aspire, also known as “The Birdman,” is a familiar name in the Southend street art scene. This is no surprise, his murals are a captivating blend of nature and a commentary on the digital age—the pixels depicting how natural beauty may one day just be another internet search.
Here, take a look at “99 Problems (But a Flake Ain’t One)” under the Southend Pier underpass, created for Southend City Jam 2022. At first glance, it might seem like a simple image of a blue tit enjoying an ice cream cone. But look closer! Aspire has cleverly woven hidden seaside elements into the design. Can you spot the cheeky spade and life-saving ring masquerading as sprinkles? There’s even a fisherman’s net tangled around the cone, and a delicious drip that transforms into Aspire’s signature touch.
LUCY ROAD / SEAWAY CARPARK
Sleepy Skelly by SledOne (Southend City Jam 2023)
Bristol-based artist SledOne created this magnificent mural ‘Sleepy Skelly’. The more you look, the more you discover! As your eyes wander around the scene, you’ll see a skeleton laying upon a pillow of the sky, grabbing at the earth as its duvet to tuck itself into a comfy position. But wait, are those sheep jumping over a fence embedded into its skull? And are they jellybeans for eyebrows?! The creativity is to be commended!
Licky Fox by Sprite (Southend City Jam)
Brighton-based street artist, Sprite, brings a touch of whimsy with their creation of “Licky Fox.”
Southend on Sea by Mack Signs (Southend City Jam)
A creative twist on signage! Mack Signs uses spray painted bold lettering to transform a wall at the Southend-on-Sea festival. The mural features just the town’s name – “Southend on Sea” – in a striking design, adding a pop of color and artistic flair.
Addicted to Quack by Marcamix031 (Southend City Jam 2023)
A menacing tiger dominates the mural “Addicted to Quack” by Marcamix031.
HERBERT GROVE
Simpson Chalkboard Gag ‘I Must Hate Barbie’ by Toska11 (Southend City Jam 2023)
Being a Simpsons fan, I can’t resist great street art featuring the characters. This mural by Toska11 captures the iconic chalkboard gag that appears during many episodes’ opening sequences. With a furrowed brow, Bart scrawls the line “I must hate Barbie” on a chalkboard in this mural. This quote playfully pokes fun at societal expectations for young boys.
Untitled ‘subconscious creatures’ by Neonita (Southend City Jam 2023)
Neonita’s signature style uses fluorescent colours to create eye-catching murals, bringing creatures of the subconscious mind to life. These fantastical creatures remind me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Untitled ‘hammer & nail tradesman’ by Staylo (Southend City Jam 2023)
Check out this quirky tradesman by Staylo. Staylo’s signature style shines through with this character’s pointed features. You can almost feel the effort in the character’s furrowed brow and the groan escaping his mouth as he hammers the nail. The yellow eyes add a touch of the unexpected, hinting at a mischievous side. But fear not, the cute freckles soften the character’s expression, making him more endearing than demonic.
MARKET PLACE
Shelffie by Gnasher (Southend City Jam 2023)
A fun, dad-joke mural by Gnasher can be found on a side street off the main High Street, with a turtle and the joke written ‘What kind of photo does a turtle take? A shelffie.’
Untitled ‘blue lady and whale’ by Ant Steel
Born in Norwich and raised in South Africa, Ant Steel, who now calls St Albans home, is the artist behind the captivating mural that graces the walls of Twelve bar in Southend. The centerpiece? A mesmerising blue lady and a majestic whale. While there’s no concrete evidence I’ve found linking it to the Southend City Jam arts festival, the timing and artistic style raise an intriguing possibility.
ALEXANDRA STREET CAR PARK
Young Sailor by Giuseppe Amed (Southend City Jam 2022)
Amed’s mural depicts a young boy holding a boat, a sweet tribute to Southend’s connection to the sea.
OI! by Gent48
This eye-catching mural was created by Birmingham-based artist GENT 48 (Josh Billingham). It features a peculiar scene: a police officer with a single eyeball for a head, wrestling a seagull in a headlock.
Despite my digging, I haven’t been able to find any information online about this specific mural. I wonder if it was created for Southend City Jam, but there are no online records I can find to confirm this.
This unusual scene is sure to spark conversation. Does it raise some critical questions, or is it simply a playful artistic statement meant to evoke a smile?
If you have any information about the mural’s origin or meaning, please share it in the comments below!
Untitled ‘orange glassed lady’ by Ziner (Southend City Jam 2023)
Catch her while you can! This striking mural by Ziner features a woman with bold orange glasses, captured in a powerful pose. Displayed on temporary hoarding, this piece offers a fleeting glimpse into Ziner’s artistic style.
Floral Owl by Curtis Hylton (Southend City Jam 2022)
Hylton’s signature style of fusing animals with floral designs is showcased on this Alexandra Street building.
Woman with Spray Can by Ster UPC (Southend City Jam 2022)
Southend City Jam co-organizer and artist Ster originally envisioned this as a more realistic piece, however the textured brickwork threw a curveball. But sometimes, happy accidents lead to stunning results!
This striking mural, features a woman with vibrant blue hair confidently holding a Montana spray can – the very tool used to bring the artwork to life. The bold lines and pops of colour perfectly capture the energy and spirit of the street art scene.
Untitled ‘peering through the bottle’ by Liam Bononi (Southend City Jam 2023)
This untitled image of a woman peering through a bottle is by a Brazilian-born street artist, Liam Bononi, now living in the UK.
Untitled ‘gangsters’ by Gent48 (Southend City Jam 2022)
Another mural by Gent48 stands nearby the police officer piece. This one exudes a gangster vibe, though its official title remains unknown to me.
CHICHESTER ROAD
Out Goes the Light by Aspire (Southend City Jam 2023)
This Thai-inspired mural by Aspire sits opposite Southend’s bus station. Aspire said of the events taking place around him whilst he was creating ‘Out Goes the Light’, from car crashes, to human deification, to drug dealing. Despite the bad, the good came in the happy faces that showed their appreciation of his work.
TYLERS AVENUE
Breaking Boundaries by Woskerski (Southend City Jam 2023)
Polish-born, London-based artist Woskerski’s “Breaking Boundaries” makes a powerful statement on Tylers Avenue. This expansive mural spills across the Cards Direct building and a construction hoarding, creating a truly immersive experience.
Untitled ‘playful woman’ by Cry (Southend City Jam 2023)
Nestled right next to Woskerski’s “Breaking Boundaries” is a delightful mural by Cry. This playful piece depicts a woman with a mischievous grin, sticking her tongue out.
Jo and Ryan by Joe Greenaway (Southend City Jam 2023)
Continuing along Tylers Avenue, you’ll find Joe Greenaway’s romantic mural “Jo and Ryan.” This heartwarming image portrays a couple locked in a kiss, with paint dripping down as if mirroring the passion of the moment.
STATION APPROACH
Untitled ‘gangster pigeon’ by Driper (Southend City Jam 2022)
Driper gave this pigeon a confident swagger, a far cry from the personality we see in the flinching birds of our urban streets.
Smile by Gnasher (Southend City Jam 2022)
Gnasher, known for his love of sharks, created ‘Smile’ – a toothy grin that both captivates and unnerves. Is it a playful greeting or a silent threat?
Untitled ‘children playing near shark’ by JXC (Southend City Jam 2023)
JXC’s untitled piece is a scene of unsettling calm. Children play innocently in the sand, while a shark lurks in the water right in front of them. The obliviousness of the children to the danger creates a chilling contrast.
Elvis by Hero32dpc (Southend City Jam 2023)
How can you miss those iconic Elvis lips!? This artwork features the King himself, in striking half-head broken stonework form. Created by the London-based artist Hero32dpc, this piece proves street art can be anything but ordinary.
Been There Done That by AROE (Southend City Jam 2022)
There is a lot to discover within AROE’s ‘Been There Done That.’ A quick glance might miss the details, but look closer and you’ll find the iconic Hollywood sign, pixelation across blocked letters ‘been there,’ and a sheer amount of elements crammed within ‘done that’ is incredible. The scene even shows an interaction between four characters in the foreground, with one saying ‘That ain’t even graf bruv!!'”
FARRINGDON SERVICE ROAD
Time is Ticking to City Jam by Ster UPC (Southend City Jam 2023)
In anticipation for Southend City Jam 2023, Ster UPC created this black and white mural.
Untitled ‘ever-turning wheels of time’ by Sharon Stone Art (Southend City Jam 2023)
Sharon Stone creates a thought-provoking mural using acrylics, enamel, and oil paints. The central figure is a powerful mermaid, inspired by local model Mermaid on Sea. She holds a representation of the world in her hands, while a Roman numeral clock and scattered gears fill the background. This symbolic imagery might hint at the ever-turning wheels of time and the constant change the world experiences.
Untitled ‘chaos and calm’ by Saider Bee Art (Southend City Jam 2023)
Saida Bee Art’s mural is a study in contrasts! A vibrant mix of cartoon characters fills the scene, with a larger-than-life woman with flowing magenta hair positioned to the right. Her eyes closed and posture relaxed, she offers a sense of calm in the midst of the chaos.
‘Vader Needs You, Enlist Today’ by Art of Pixelicious (Southend City Jam 2023)
CLARENCE ROAD CAR PARK
Untitled ‘purple lillies’ by Sophie Mess (Southend City Jam 2023)
This piece boasts a vibrant botanical mural by renowned artist Sophie Mess. Her signature style comes alive in this large-scale artwork, featuring stunning purple lilies rendered in bold colors and intricate details. This piece, like many of Sophie’s creations, celebrates the beauty of nature in an urban setting, offering a playful perspective and a sense of wonder.
Untitled ‘goggles’ by icanone_som (Southend City Jam 2023)
This character with goggles, ready for action, was created by icanone_one.
Miss Wong by Scotty Brave (Southend City Jam 2022)
Basildon’s own Scotty Brave is creating some incredible murals and his mural “Miss Wong” is a prime example of his unique style. Inspired by Vladimir Tretchikoff’s 1951 “Miss Wong”, Brave takes the concept a step further. Instead of a single, cohesive portrait, “Miss Wong” undergoes a captivating deconstruction.
Kenny Dub by JEKS (Southend City Jam 2023)
North Carolina based artist JEKS created this monochromatic portrait from a photograph taken by @b4_flight. My admiration for the realism of this mural is off the scale, and I find it unbelievable that such detail can be achieved using spray paint on the side of a building!!
@b4_flight’s street photography is deeply personal, fueled by the pain of his father’s suicide and the struggle to overcome it. He’s drawn to explore themes of mental health and the fragility of sanity. Street portraits are especially meaningful, as he seeks permission and donates proceeds from their sale to help those in need. He observes the rising rates of homelessness, addiction, and suicide in society, calling it an alarming trend. I think you’ll agree that JEKS absolutely did this portrait justice!
A Treasure Trove of Urban Art Awaits
Southend City Jam isn’t just a festival; it’s a testament to the enduring power of street art. The ever-changing canvas of the city ensures a unique experience every year. While the murals you see today might be replaced by fresh works in the future, the locations themselves often remain. So, take inspiration from the festival’s spirit, grab your walking shoes, and embark on your own artistic adventure in Southend! Explore the streets, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of Southend’s urban art scene. You might just uncover your next favorite mural.
When is the next Southend City Jam art festival?
Get Ready to Be Wowed! Southend City Jam Returns in 2024
Mark your calendars! Southend City Jam 2024 will be taking place from 30 August 2024 to 1 September 2024. Witness the magic unfold as talented street artists transform blank canvases into stunning murals, right before your eyes.
- Free Entry: Explore the city centre and seafront at your leisure, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
- Artist Showcase: Get ready to be amazed! In the lead-up to the event, Southend City Jam will unveil the incredible artists participating this year. Keep an eye on their social media pages for exciting sneak peeks!
- Witness the Creation Process: The festival offers a unique opportunity to watch these skilled artists work their magic, from initial sketches to breathtaking finished pieces.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this artistic extravaganza!
WHERE CAN I FIND SOUTHEND STREET ART?
Southend’s streets are a living art gallery! While the City Jam festival brings a vibrant splash of creativity, amazing street art can be found year-round. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems!
Explore the city using the handy map created by Southend City Jam embedded below to discover some of the legacy murals from previous festivals scattered throughout Southend.
recommendation:
Do you have a trip planned to Suffolk? Hop over to my blog 6 Reasons Dunwich is a Must-Visit for History Buffs.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to identify the artists behind the murals featured in this blog, due to the nature of street art, attribution can sometimes be challenging. If you notice any errors or have information about the correct artist, please don’t hesitate to contact me through the comments section below.
Source: Southend City Jam legacy art work map https://www.southendcityjam.co.uk/ [accessed April 2024]
Love the photos!