A Decade of Street Art Through the Lens of Søren Solkær: SURFACE Arrives in South Kensington.
This Autumn, I’m particularly excited to be heading to South Kensington for the long-awaited London debut of Søren Solkær’s acclaimed global exhibition, SURFACE, that launched on 23 October 2025 at Sussex Mansions. Having toured cities such as Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, and Copenhagen, this celebrated body of work finally lands in the UK — and I can’t wait to see it in person.
Søren Solkær is one of the world’s most renowned photographers in the realm of street art. For over a decade, he immersed himself in the urban art scene, travelling across continents to capture the faces behind one of the most vibrant and rebellious art movements of our time. The result is SURFACE — an extraordinary visual chronicle of more than 150 artists who have shaped and redefined the global language of graffiti and street art.
Walking through the exhibition, visitors will encounter over eighty powerful portraits, each one carefully composed to echo the artist’s creative energy and the spaces they transform. From the rooftops of New York to the alleyways of Athens, these images offer more than documentation — they tell cinematic stories, full of light, character, and urban pulse.
Solkær’s approach to photography is as evocative as the art he captures. His portraits feel like film stills — dramatic, moody, and meticulously lit — reflecting his passion for storytelling through visual composition. As he explains,
“In 2012, I set out to do a large-scale portrait project about individuals who create art in the public space. I felt this was the perfect time to portray the people behind one of the most powerful art movements of our time. This journey took me to rooftops, back alleys, and walls across the world. Just like these artists, I put my soul into everything I do — SURFACE is a very personal show and a tribute to the amazing people I worked with to create it.”
Among the artists featured are some of Britain’s best-known names in contemporary street art — D*Face, Conor Harrington, Hush, Goldie, Nick Walker, Paul Insect, Sweet Toof, Lucy McLauchlan, Slinkachu, and The London Police — each representing a distinct voice in the UK’s street art narrative.
The exhibition also features international icons such as Blek le Rat, Shepard Fairey, Maya Hayuk, Lady Aiko, and Invader, bringing together an electrifying mix of styles and stories from across the globe.
Producer Sorina Berlascu beautifully sums up the experience:
“Søren Solkær is a remarkable guide to the world of street art. His unique eye has produced some of the most iconic images of the genre — dynamic, cinematic depictions that provide an adrenaline-fuelled look at this fascinating subculture.”
Alongside the exhibition, visitors can also explore Solkær’s acclaimed fine art book SURFACE, which features portraits of 135 artists. It serves as both a striking coffee-table piece and a historical document — a visual archive of creativity that continues to redefine how we see our cities and their walls.
For art lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone fascinated by the creative spirit that spills beyond the gallery and into public space, this exhibition is a must-see. I’ll be there later this month, ready to experience firsthand what promises to be a visually and emotionally charged journey through the beating heart of global street art.
Poppy Watt