Santas Ghetto 2006

Santa’s Ghetto 2006, 15 Oxford Street, London.

“The Ghetto is a squat art concept store that opens for the month of December and is now in it’s fifth magical year. It features some of the world’s finest underground artists and attempts to bring an even greater sense of disillusionment to the whole West End shopping experience. It exhibits work that has never been seen before, sells a range of affordable art and produces some rather dubious novelty merchandise”

Featuring: Mark Jenkins, Ericailcane (eric the dog) _ some great art in the back right hand corner, Emma Heron, Peter Kennard and Kat, Ben Turnbull, Antony Micallef, Tom Ormond, Banksy, Simon Munnery, Tittifreak, Eine, David Shrigley, Jamie Hewlett, Pete Fowler, Kelsey Brooks, Tinsel Edwards and Space Invader.

I’m sure Insect was in there too….

Santa’s Ghetto 2006, Window display.

The window displays attracted a great deal of attention – the slogans were hardly what you’d expect the Oxford Street Traders Association to endorse at the this time of year.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Window display, Image Reference : SABYSGWD001

 

View inside the ghetto – the Pictures of Walls Wall.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006, general view, Image Reference : SABYSGGV002

 

 

Banksy – Michael Jackson  Detail from the Hansel and Gretel style canvas featuring Michael Jackson at Santa’s Ghetto.

It reminded me of some graffiti I saw years ago which said in foot high letters “Michael Is A Healer, Not a Feeler”. Still makes me chuckle even now.

On the Santa’s Ghetto leaflet it reports that this painting was originally by Tom Ormond and that Banksy painted Michael Jackson over the top of it. And that Tom is a surprisingly hard bastard who wasn’t impressed with people mucking about with his work.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Banksy Tom Ormond painting, Image reference : SABYSGMJ001

In Santa’s ghetto everything is not quite what it seems. Santa’s Ghetto 2006 bauble, Image Reference : SABYSGBA001

Santa’s Ghetto 2006, blackboard

The blackboard announced forthcoming events, including a live performance by Simon Munnery and a release of a new Banksy print.

Santa’s Ghetto blackboard, 2006, Image Reference : SABYSGBL001

View inside the Ghetto – at the counter.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006, general view, Image Reference : SABYSGGV001

 

Dolk Che canvas

Che pictured rocking a Che T shirt. Possibly (but probably not) the last word on this overused image.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Dolk Che Canvas, Image Reference : SABYSGDC001

 

Vendalimb by Emma Heron.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Emma Heron, Vendalimb, Image Reference : SABYEMHE001

 

Peter Kennard – Tony Blair

This is part of a picture in the other window. I first bumped into it in a fantastic exhibition in aid of War Child behind the Oxo tower earlier in the year. Peter Kennard has been doing this kind of photo montage for years. I’m pretty sure I used to have his version of Constable’s Haywain with missiles in it longer ago than I care to remember!

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Peter Kennard, Image Reference : SABYPKTB001

 

Mark Jenkins trash man

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Mark Jenkins tape man, Image Reference : SABYMAJE001

 

Eine – Pink Train

The colours on this near day glow screen print by Eine are amazing.

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Eine Pink Train  Print, Image Reference : SABYBEEI001

 

Lucy McLauchlan canvas

Santa’s Ghetto 2006 Lucy McLauchlan canvas, Image Reference : SABYLUMC001