A couple of weeks ago, the world watched as a group of radical terrorists murdered a group of employees (cartoonists) at a Paris publication, known as Charlie Hebdo. Those murdered were at their desk and doing their jobs - creating and drawing publications to sell to pay off their mortgages and create a living doing what they enjoy. The controversial drawing outraged a group in society, and I am not going to judge that what they did was right or wrong. However, a disagreement (about beliefs or something that someone is passionate about) is still not a reason to commit murder. Worldwide, this terrible ordeal touched many. A lot of love went out in understanding that the killers are trying to oppress the freedom of speech and instill fear in society.
Pure Evil
In the days following this tragedy, London's street artists took to the streets to show their support for "freedom of speech". The words "Je Suis Charlie" (translated to "I am Charlie") were seen everywhere. Popular London artist Pure Evil updated his mural on scaffolding across the street from his shop on Leonard Street to read "Crayons are mightier than bullets #JeSuisCharlie".
Other works were in progress...
Meanwhile, well-wishers wrote various words of encouragement on the steel hoardings in the middle of Brick Lane.
Grafitti Life
'Grafitti Life' added a mural with a gun, encouraging a stop to violence and killing.
Furia
However, not all locals in the diverse area of Brick Lane were happy with this 'campaign'. Furia painted one of his popular portraits on a wooden wall near Brick Street with the phrase "Je Suis Charlie", but this was promptly and crudely painted over within a day or two.
Je Suis Charlie
Also, the nice bakery on Brick Lane that I wrote about a few months ago that sells the delicious brownies and pastries (The Antishop) was in the press because the owner claimed that he was threatened by a local. I am surprised because this is London and this area of London is the most diverse in Europe, if not the most diverse in the world.
Freedom of Speech
The pencil is mightier than t... John D'oh
While I cannot judge the publication on their choice of media to print and ridicule, murder is not acceptable. The world is already a horrible enough place without instilling fear and murdering those that you do not agree with. The purpose of this post is simply to show the response of this tragedy through the eyes of street art.
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