I was walking in Soho last week when I came across the following graffiti on a building facade:
The suggestion – maybe hate is the answer – struck me. I had been feeling despondent about the state of the world. For a pacifist and feminist like me who believes in love, acceptance and empathy, these are very depressing times.
So reflecting on whether hate is the answer, I’ve decided that I beg to differ. And I’ve been walking around London snapping of evidence of love, positivity and in the words of the late Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, GOOD VIBRATIONS.
In the above photo, a delivery truck had been parked on Frith Street. I’d spotted the handwritten signs on the windscreen with the words smile emphatically underlined. One sign even had a polite Thank You underneath in the instruction. I was in the process of photographing the signs when the driver, Andy, emerged and kindly agreed to let me take his portrait.
A couple of weeks later in the same location I was struck by the text on this guy’s T-shirt. The words felt beautiful and appropriate.
Next, a blue-haired and bearded couple share a kiss over coffee:
Below, affection on the London Overground. Even her T shirt promoted love!
Above, I came across designer Mina as I was walking through Hampstead Heath. She wearing a T shirt with the words CHOOSE LOVE. When I stopped to talk to her she told me a bit about the story the behind the T-shirt, which is designed by Katherine Hamnett and raises money and awareness for a humanitarian charity helping refugees.
I had just returned from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival when I came across this scene in my local neighbourhood, complete with a band – The Paisley Daze – playing live above the corner shop!
More good vibes:
One of my favourite activities is dancing salsa outdoors in the daytime. Last Sunday I was at The Hyde Park Bandstand. Someone had posted a video from the day on the WhatsApp group I noticed how everyone was smiling and having fun – it really is a joyful activity. However the reality is that even the salsa scene is not immune to strong opinions and passionate preferences! Nevertheless, good vibes only is the order of the day as expressed by dancer Philip’s T shirt:
Below, dancer and DJ Carl manifesting positive vibes wearing a moldavite crystal
One of the most recognisable symbols of love is the heart. Here are several examples of hearts seen on London streets in recent weeks:
Above – I was walking in Kentish Town this week when I noticed someone waiting outside the O2 Forum wearing a customised cap with hand painted rubber ducks and heart-shaped sunglasses. This is Sid who was in line for a Jerry Cantrell gig.
Next, I was seated next to a young woman on the tube and asked if I could photograph the tattoo of a plaster with a central heart. I had assumed the tat was redolent with symbolism but she told me she it was a spontaneous act:
More hearts in the street:
Finally, some LOVE graffiti seen in Moorgate. Maybe Love is the answer?
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