Shortly after stepping off the 108 I arrive at Bow Road Studios, a hub of studios run by the Bow Arts Trust within ‘London’s Artist Quarter’. I am promptly met by Paul Robinson, also known as LUAP. He is wearing camouflage shorts and a dark T-shirt and is milder mannered than I had expected from an artist of his calibre. Given the success of his signature figure ‘The Pink Bear’ – especially in the London’s street art scene – I had expected someone brasher.
We go up to his studio on the 3rd or 4th floor. LUAP apologises for the mess which I see none of. His largest work to date is hanging on the longest wall. Stacks of other paintings and containers of prototypes, pink fabric, and spray paints line the others.
Various figurines of his Pink Bear stand around the room. There can be no mistaking whose studio this is – after all, it’s written on each of his step-ladders: LUAP.
Here is a short video” during my visit to LUAP’s studio:
©2020 LUAP
Verity Babbs is a History of Art graduate from the University of Oxford, artist consultant, writer, and podcast host. Her written work focuses on London’s contemporary art scene
