Street artist unveils his latest work in project to celebrate London's migrants

Fiona Simpson30 May 2018

A London street artist and former secondary school teacher has unveiled his latest painting in a series celebrating the work of the capital’s migrants.

Neequaye Dsane , who paints under the name Dreph, revealed the third part of his Migration series in Wardour Street, Soho, before embarking on a national tour with his work.

The stunning image depicts Fatima Najm, co-founder of human rights organisation Creatives Against Poverty.

Ms Najm has spent the last 11 years visiting marginalised communities in Asia, Africa and North America to teach comedy, theatre, art and music in a bid to combat the effects of conflict and trauma.

The campaigner, who moved to London from Pakistan, has been hailed an “unsung heroine” by Mr Dsane.

In London, Fatima sits on the education panel at the Prince’s Trust, advising the organisation on programs that inspire young people to unlock their potential. Ms Najm also works with grassroots Ngos to help refugees and asylum seekers acquire the skills they need to integrate into British society.

Street artists Neequaye Dsane paints in Brixton (Neequaye Dsane)
Neequaye Desane

Through his latest collection of street art Mr Dsane aims to tell the stories of first generation migrants who have made a home in the capital and “embody the spirit of their community”.

The mural of Fatima Najm is featured in Soho (Neequaye Dsane)
Nequaye Desane

Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, Mr Dsane, originally from Nottingham and of Ghanaian heritage, said: “After Brexit, and with the national conversation around immigration, I have been inspired to show the human face, and tell the stories of individuals, from the communities that make up the UK’s diverse immigrant population.”

Neequaye Dsane paints under the name Dreph (Neequaye Dsane)
Neequaye Desane

Following the completion of his third piece, the artist will travel across the UK painting murals in the likes of Newcastle and Nottingham.

Working in partnership with Lambeth’s Migration Museum he will hold an open call-out for anyone who believes themselves, a friend or family member would be a suitable subject.

The first image painted as part of the project features Brixton Market stalwart Michael John.

An image of Michael John was painting next to Brixton Market (Neequaye Dsane/Dreph)
Nequaye Desane/Dreph

Mr John moved to London from Grenada in 1986 to join his pregnant partner.

He was handed the keys to the market by Lambeth Council in 2016.

The huge mural of Mr John is painted on a wall next to the entrance of Brixton Village.

An mural in Shoreditch features British-Morroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj (Neequaye Dsane)
Neequaye Desane

Mr Dsane praised his subject’s “commitment and generous spirit” delivered through his work as caretaker of the market.

He said: “Michael is an integral part of the market community and without him the market wouldn’t function.

“There has been a lot of change in Brixton, as there has been across the capital, in particular with many local residents angry with the gentrification of the area.

“Michael’s presence and sense of responsibility for the community’s wellbeing has been a constant throughout these changes and a reminder of the ‘old’ Brixton.”

Mr Dsane’s second subject is British-Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj dubbed the “Andy Warhol of Morocco”.

Dreph: You Are Enough

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Mr Hajjaj’s portrait on Virginia Road, in Shoreditch, is close to his shop Larache.

The artist’s colourful photography mixing tradition and pop culture has been exhibited at the V&A, British Museum and Somerset House.

He was born in Larache, a harbour town in northern Morrocco, in 1961 before he moved to London aged 12 to join his father.

The artist told Mr Dsane he felt “very much a foreigner” as he grew up in the UK.

Mr Dsane said: “He recalls it as being a tough time, where he was unable to speak English and was immersed in a new culture, in a time where London wasn’t as cosmopolitan as it in today.”

He eventually integrated into the growing west London migrant community where he honed his skills as an artist and fashion designer.

Mr Dsane previously adorned the capital’s streets with portraits of inspiring black women for his You Are Enough Series.

Anyone wishing to nominate family or friends to feature in the Migration series is invited to a call out at the Migration Museum at 26 Lambeth High Street on June 9.

The event runs from 2pm and 6pm and will give attendees the opportunity to share their stories with the museum.

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