‘Be Bold, Be Birmingham’: That was the message scrawled on the roof of the former Markets Car Park in Digbeth ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. But still today, that message rings true, and it’s a mantra that its artist, Gent 48, seems to bring to every one of his artworks.
The Selly Oak artist Joshua Billingham, aka Gent 48, is one of Birmingham’s most talented, prolific and respected graffiti artists. His distinctive street art can be found all over this city, as well as all over the world, and he’s probably Birmingham’s closest answer to Banksy (although don’t tell him we said that).
You will recognise his work instantly for its character-driven figures, bold splashes of colour and multiple layers to create depth. Through his signature blend and fade technique, he also looks to distort perception and subvert reality, while incorporating a style firmly rooted in classic hip-hop-style graffiti culture.
“I just love to paint,” said Joshua Billingham, shortly after his ‘Be Bold, Be Birmingham’ mural. “I didn’t do so well at school, but I was always passionate about drawing and painting. It shows that if you stick at something and you’re passionate, it can pay off for you.”
Where can I see Gent 48’s street art in Birmingham?
Gent 48 has been going since the early 2000s. He’s probably had more murals painted over than we probably know about. But if you want to see the best of his work in this city, then head to Digbeth. Where you will find some of his most vibrant pieces, particularly on Gibb Street and Floodgate Street.
His most famous works include: the green Digbeth mural (beside the iconic Green Man), the art adorning Dead Wax, Spider-Man in ‘Britain’s best car park’, the Future of Birmingham mural outside Suki10C, and many more. But Joshua’s even shown his diversity and leapt from the street to the gallery… You can grab limited edition Gent 48 prints here, or follow his street art journey here.
