Physical graffiti

Best London spas, Nora, Madonna’s favourite Italian, Alan Carr’s new castle, Miller Prada’s next move, Wild Style Graff Cafe, MORE

WORK • Wednesday Routine

Paint the town

ARTHUR WATSON • abstract graffiti artist
Neighbourhood you live in: Shepherd’s Bush

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I’m creating my new collection for a solo exhibition called Bright. It’s the next in a series of immersive art exhibitions, each focused on a theme that represents a different part of me. Developing these shows gives me the opportunity to dig deep, explore my creative process and learn more about myself as an artist – like a real-time journal of my growth.

What’s on the agenda for today?
The concepts and designs for the exhibition are done, so I’ve moved into the production phase. My process involves using a laser cutter to slice through perspex. I then spray-paint the pieces in vibrant colours before reassembling them into three-dimensional artworks. I’m in my studio, experimenting with colours and gradients to make sure everything looks perfect for the show.

What about a little leisure or culture?
I went to the House of Kong exhibition, which was incredible. As a huge fan of Gorillaz since they started in 1999, it was a dream to see the work of my personal hero, illustrator Jamie Hewlett. Stepping into his world was absolutely fascinating. The way the characters, story and overall narrative have evolved over the years is nothing short of genius.

Any weekend getaways?
I’m heading to Brighton on Saturday to catch up with friends I met last summer while painting a huge mural for the main stage at Boomtown. I’ve also got two big work meetings lined up. I’m meeting a customer to discuss my first large-scale sculpture, then I’m meeting a new gallery that I’m hoping will represent me in Brighton. Every time I’m in Brighton, I make sure to get some grub at my favourite Japanese joint, Bincho Yakitori.

What was your last great holiday?
A work trip to Rome with a fellow artist and mentor, Tristan Eaton. We painted a stunning mural spanning over 50m in the Spring House Hotel, right in the heart of Vatican City. Even though we worked well into the night for 10 days straight, it never felt like work. Creating something so beautiful in such an incredible city was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We ate in some incredible restaurants too, like Cipasso and Armando al Pantheon. I’m forever grateful my career lets me have these adventures. Next up, we’re off to Dusseldorf to paint another one, and I can’t wait.

What store or service do you always recommend?
Shout out to my guys down at the Wild Style Graff Cafe in Stockwell. They have the best selection of spray paint in South London and they’re always on standby when I need colours. I can’t forget the guys at Chrome and Black, my East London connection. They’re authentic writers helping to nurture the culture.

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WORK & PLAY LINKS: After outcry, developers tone down plan for office development by the Barbican • A floating park for the Royal Docks? • The great mass-market migration by big-name designers • In season: big huggy sweaters • Should we all be putting oestrogen cream on our faces?

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GETAWAYS • Kent

If we took a holiday

You might expect to find Madonna’s favourite Italian restaurant in New York, but the spot outed by the Material Girl last month is on the other side of the Atlantic in Margate, a town she calls her ‘idea of heaven’.