Hells Half Acre

London has plenty of hidden gems – and this is possibly one of the most well hidden. Everyone knows about the heavily graff’d up Leake Street tunnel, but tucked away behind it is the random, derelict looking space that is The Old Vic Tunnels. Occupying this space for the last week was an art show to top any of Londons major showcases.

Right – Artwork, this truly is a display of “anything goes” there are a few floor to ceiling projections of snarling dogs going mental with deafening barks being played, that sets the tone straight away – thankfully the main rooms are a little calmer, almost too calm on the high seas – Conor Harrington has hung scores of gold galleons leading to his epic quintet of huge canvases

Some of the odder pieces start with Paul Insect, never afraid to try something different, and from a distance it appears a green deathstar is hanging in one of the arches, on closer inspection I realise I have 2000 loaded syringes pointing at me, this was aptly named Object Desire, well for a junkie maybe. Other scary things hanging from the ceiling come from Polly Morgan in the shape of about 20 dead pigeons made in to a ball – some would call this art, I call it 20 dead pigeons in a ball, but will make an interesting showpiece in 50 years on Antiques Road Show at least!

Speaking of sick, Boogie has a few photos up, a hanging rat in one, and a plethora of syringes in the other – great shots, grim subjects are his speciality. Keeping the scene cheery is Micallef, with his huge piece “Rape in Times Square” and Mark Jenkins throws in some scarier full size characters, with spinal columns for arms – all this would fit in a treat with a Crossfire Halloween party!

Keeping on the core art tip Ian Francis shows his usual mastery of the canvas making other artists staring in jealousy, and Vhils takes his pick axe to the wall to create another masterpiece – keep an eye on www.lazinc.com for their next show, but I cant see this one being topped this year.