Last week we posted about the launch of the South London Art Map and Last Fridays happening this Friday 25 February. We just got given a sneak preview of the limited edition badge available on the night and wanted to share it with you!

South London-based artist and Camberwell BA Painting tutor Hew Locke has been commissioned by Tate Modern to create a limited edition badge for the launch of the South London Art Map. The enamelled badges take the form of a parakeet motif, an image chosen by the artist to represent South London. The South London Art Map initiative includes a printed map and interactive website featuring over 90 art galleries, co-ordinated Last Fridays late gallery openings and art tours of South London.

The badges will be available exclusively for the launch. The badges can be picked up from any of the participating venues on a first come first served basis from 18.30 onwards until stocks last. Intended to be worn while visiting the venues on the South London Art Map route during the evening, the badge connects South London art venues in a united invitation to explore the art scene of South London.

Hew Locke said ‘the inspiration came from the small flock of green ring-necked parakeets that appeared in my local Brockwell Park a few years ago. The next thing I hear, these exotics are taking over South London, and what was once charming and pretty is now under threat of culling. In my mirrored design of birds on the badge, their tails start to look like a skull – a reference to the home of the main South London flock in Norwood Cemetery.’

Both Camberwell Space and Peckham Space are participating.

Image: Limited edition badge by Hew Locke commissioned by Tate Modern for the South London Art Map launch.