Social media and I have a love-hate relationship. As an artist, I fully appreciate the way it enables me to showcase my work to an audience I might never otherwise reach. It’s an incredible tool for visibility, connection, and inspiration. However, it also comes with a downside—an unspoken pressure to constantly post, to stay relevant, and to feed the algorithm. This often leads to a sense of urgency, a feeling that everything needs to be rushed, which can be stifling for creativity. That said, every so often, something completely unexpected and positive comes out of this digital space. This is exactly what happened to me recently.

Out of the blue, I received a message on Instagram from someone working for BOXPARK in London. They explained that, once a month, they offer a space to an artist to display their work at both their Shoreditch and Croydon venues. What’s more, this opportunity is completely free of charge—a rarity in today’s art world, where exhibiting often comes with significant costs. Naturally, I jumped at the chance.

The process was incredibly simple. All I had to do was send over ten high-resolution images of my work, and BOXPARK would take care of the printing and display. It sounded almost too good to be true, but after a few emails back and forth, it was confirmed: my work would be showcased in one of London’s most creative and energetic hubs.

The Journey to Shoreditch

On Saturday, October 5th, I boarded a train to London, filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Despite knowing about BOXPARK for years, I had never actually visited it in person. The concept has always intrigued me—an urban retail and dining space constructed entirely out of repurposed shipping containers. It’s a clever, modular setup that embodies the vibrant, ever-changing nature of Shoreditch itself. What started as an East London experiment has now expanded, with locations in Croydon, Liverpool, and more in the pipeline.

Arriving in Shoreditch, I made my way towards BOXPARK. The area, known for its eclectic mix of creativity, street art, and independent businesses, was already buzzing with energy. Walking up the stairs to the main entrance, I felt a surge of anticipation. This was the moment I would see my work on display in the heart of London’s East End.

Seeing My Work in the Flesh

As it was still morning, BOXPARK was relatively quiet, making it the perfect time for me to wander through and take in the exhibition without the crowds. When I found my artwork, I was struck by how well it had been presented. My pieces, rich in colour and bold in composition, stood out beautifully against the industrial, dark-toned walls of the shipping container corridor where they had been placed. It was a prime location, positioned in a walkway that connected two main areas of the venue, meaning plenty of foot traffic would pass through and encounter my work.

There is something profoundly different about seeing your artwork in real life compared to viewing it on a screen. It has a tangible presence, a weight and depth that simply can’t be replicated. Standing there, taking it all in, I felt a real sense of pride. So much of my creative journey happens in solitude—hours spent sketching, painting, and refining ideas—so to see my work exhibited in a public space, where strangers could engage with it, was a deeply gratifying experience.

Exploring Shoreditch – A Visit to the Pure Evil Gallery

Since I was already in Shoreditch, I decided to take the opportunity to visit the Pure Evil Gallery, a place I had long wanted to explore. Pure Evil is a street artist I’ve admired for years. His distinctive “bunny” tag has become iconic in the street art world, and his work carries a raw, rebellious energy that resonates with me.

The gallery did not disappoint. Spanning two levels, it was packed with original paintings, screen prints, and sculptures. The space was a visual feast, every corner brimming with Pure Evil’s unmistakable style. Seeing his work up close only deepened my appreciation for his artistry. I found myself wishing my bank balance was a little healthier—there were so many pieces I would have loved to take home.

One of the things I love about Shoreditch is its ever-changing artistic landscape. It’s one of the few places in London where creativity isn’t confined to galleries or formal institutions—it spills onto the streets, walls, and shopfronts. Walking around, I spotted new murals, fresh graffiti tags, and layers of street art history embedded in the architecture. The whole area feels like a living, breathing canvas, constantly evolving with the artists who pass through it.

Reflections on the Exhibition Experience

As I made my way back home, I reflected on the experience of exhibiting at BOXPARK. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best opportunities come unexpectedly. If I hadn’t been sharing my work on social media, I might never have received that message. Despite my mixed feelings about the digital world, this was proof that it can open doors in ways I never anticipated.

For any artist considering showcasing their work, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for opportunities like this. Free exhibition spaces in London are rare, and BOXPARK’s initiative is a fantastic way for emerging artists to gain exposure without the financial burden. It’s also a reminder that you don’t always need to have everything meticulously planned—sometimes, simply being present, putting your work out there, and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can lead to incredible experiences.

If you’re in London, my exhibition will be on display until the end of October. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, I’d love for you to check it out and experience it for yourself. And while you’re there, take some time to explore the rest of Shoreditch—there’s an endless supply of creativity waiting to be discovered.

You never know who’s watching

This exhibition at BOXPARK reaffirmed why I do what I do. Art is meant to be shared, experienced, and engaged with. Whether in a prestigious gallery or the corridor of a repurposed shipping container, what matters is the connection it creates. Seeing my work in such a dynamic, urban setting, where people could stumble upon it in the midst of their everyday lives, was incredibly rewarding.

As I move forward, I’ll carry this experience with me as a reminder to stay open to new opportunities, embrace the unexpected, and, most importantly, keep creating.

If you’re an artist looking for ways to get your work seen, keep putting yourself out there. You never know who might be watching—or what might come your way next.

BOXPARK Shoreditch
2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY