The creator of the new mural recently revealed at Brixton Tube station expressed their goal to “capture the vibrancy” of the surrounding community.
Positioned above the entrance, The Congregation weaves together text and visuals across 20 scenes that highlight notable personalities, significant landmarks, and key historical events in Brixton, including the arrival of the Windrush generation.
Rudy Loewe, the artist, described Brixton as a “uniquely special part of London,” remarking: “Once you exit the Tube station, you’re immersed in a rich sensory experience, and it’s this essence that I wanted to translate into my artwork.”
The mural will be showcased for an entire year and represents the ninth commission for Transport for London’s Art on the Underground initiative at this station.
Loewe elaborated: “There are speakers, vibrant music, and spontaneous singing; it’s nearly impossible to stroll down the street without engaging in an unexpected conversation with someone.”
Highlighted in the mural are figures such as SisterMatic, a sound system established in the 1980s that created a safe haven for Black lesbian women, and activist Marcia Rigg, whose brother Sean Rigg tragically passed away in police custody at Brixton Police Station in 2008.
Among the featured landmarks are the historic 121 Centre on Railton Road (previously associated with activist Olive Morris), the stark Southwyck House, and artist Pearl Alcock’s underground bar catering to Black gay men in the 1990s.
Residents might also notice nods to The Powerful Hand spiritual shop, the Jamaican restaurant Healthy Eaters, Electric Avenue market, and Windrush Square.
Eleanor Pinfield, head of Art on the Underground, commented: “In The Congregation, Loewe encapsulates the intricate tapestry of social, architectural, individual, and generational narratives, especially within the Black community, creating a remarkable work that spans across different times and spaces.
“Millions will have the opportunity to appreciate these vivid portrayals of Brixton life and potentially gain deeper insights into the scenes depicted as they pass through the station.”
A special evening featuring discussions and film screenings related to the mural is scheduled for November 27 at Brixton’s Ritzy cinema.
