November 2019 2

My latest mural was made in collaboration with Centrepoint, a charity that helps young people who are homeless by providing accommodation and support for getting them back into education, employment or training. Around Christmas, an estimated 22 000 young people will be homeless.

I painted a portrait of Becca after reading her story. To me, Becca is one of these invisible heroes who has overcome a very dark experience with so much strength, and is now making a positive impact around her. She found herself without a roof at 14 after her dad committed suicide and her grandmother kicked her out (after finding out she was gay). She lived on the streets while going to school, then in a hostel where she discovered the Homeless Street Football programme. Football helped her found a way out: she excelled in it, got selected for the Homeless World Cup and she’s been volunteering as a coach since.

“Becca” – Zabou – 2x3m – London, UK – 2019

Photos credit: Zabou

Despite the cold, it was time to hit this new spot in London near the Kingsland Basin, kindly provided to me by the U7 Lounge. The wall was a complex surface to approach – featuring doors, a large ventilation pipe and a corner. As it is visible from the canal towpath, I chose to paint a seen from the canal life: a young man mooring his narrow boat. The artwork shows the man pulling his boat with a rope over his shoulder, while the rope is going over the pipe and around an anchor painted partly on the ground.

I personally love Regent’s Canal and the breeze of fresh air it gives to Londoners. Whereas you might be cycling along the towpath, walking, jogging or driving your narrow boat, it is a beautiful route that connects us in many ways.

Thanks to the U7 team for the support & to Luca my model!

“By The Canal” – Zabou – 14x5m – London, UK – 2019

Photo credit: Zabou