Neequaye Dreph Dsane’s Street Portraits in London’s East End

4 Jul

Myvanwy, Star Yard, Brick Lane

Myvanwy, born in Shoreditch, runs a cultural marketing agency and also mentors young people, helping to steer careers and life journeys. Her view is that if everyone mentored one young person, incidents of youth suicide and knife crime would be dramatically lowered.

Real wonder women take to the streets – in pictures

by Marcus Barnes | Street Art | The Observer |The Guardian | All images, Marcus Barnes

London-based Ghanaian artist Neequaye Dreph Dsane has been busy adorning the capital’s walls with large, beautifully painted images of women of African and Caribbean origin as part of his “You Are Enough” series. The 43-year-old street artist aims to inspire and celebrate “amazing women who are not given the visibility they deserve”, by utilising the power of a very public art form to shine a light and empower. “Through the paintings and subjects’ backstories, I am paying tribute to ordinary women who do extraordinary work for the betterment of their communities and society,” he says.

Mimi, Southey Street, Penge

Mimi, from Islington, works as a holistic health consultant and is studying to become a counsellor.

Holly, Commercial Road, Spitalfields

East Londoner Holly used to work in a care home and uses art and spoken word to advocate healing, self-acceptance and empowerment.

Tracy, Fashion Street, Shoreditch

Tracy, originally from Oxford, manages a preventative program for children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviour. She works with a group of volunteers who advise young people on social skills.