Born in London, Ben Eine is one of the most successful letterform artists in the world and is regarded as a pioneer in the exploration of contemporary typography art. Originally a graffiti writer, Eine started his career over thirty years ago, leaving his first tags all over London before developing his distinct typographic style we all know and love.

Eine’s colourful, bright letters adorned shop shutters all over East London and soon caught the public’s attention and were seminal in the rise of street art’s popularity. Eine’s typography has travelled across the globe as he continues to use street art and words to engage and inspire the viewer. 

Since COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have eased a little in the UK, Eine finds the right words to bring positivity and humour back onto the streets of London. We catch up with Eine and ask him how life has been on lockdown…

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

What has life been like for you during the lockdown in London? Have you been more creative? Learning new skills? Zooming! ... Or did you go into hibernation!

Ben Eine

A cross between hibernating and learning new skills. No zooming. LA Originals on Netflix was great.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

You've been rather busy these last few days in London with the 'Through Art we Rise' project and now 'Your Space Or Mine?' with Jack Arts. How does it feel to be back on the street painting again? Do you have a greater appreciation for being back and connecting with people again?

Ben Eine

I always enjoy having the opportunity to paint in the street, meeting and mixing with the public is a rare opportunity for artists who normally work in solitude, in their studios. It’s incredibly refreshing and rewarding hearing everybody’s positive comments.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

Why did you decide to use the words "And another fine mess" and "I'm so happy very very happy"?

Ben Eine

I chose these sayings, one of which is a reference to Laurel and Hardy, deliberately to connect with the British public. Both the sayings are a play on British humour and sarcasm. The British public will come out of this with more unity and with a clearer view of what is important.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

Have you been watching old British classics during lockdown?

Ben Eine

No, I’ve been watching Laurel and Hardy. But I am an old British classic.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

It's not often we see art in the advertising space? What are the benefits to the local community and how has it changed the vibe of the area?

Ben Eine

Due to Corona and everybody on lockdown, the advertiser hasn’t felt the need to promote in the way they normally would. Buildhollywood has a long history of working with artists and saw an opportunity to keep the printers, the poster people and the team busy and give up their ad space to artists. Through something terrible, an amazing opportunity has arisen and hopefully, it will make a difference to people’s lives.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

What has been the local's response to the new look billboards? Has it ignited some positivity?

Ben Eine

My experience from painting the billboard in Dalston was 100% positive and encouraging. So many people commented on the fact that ad space was being used as a platform to showcase art. I think the British audience get the message.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

These last few months during lockdown have been hard on all of us. We've all had time to stop and think and reevaluate our situation etc. How has this pandemic changed you? And what did you miss the most?

Ben Eine

I’ve missed connecting with people and being able to buy art supplies when you need them.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

What's the first thing you want to do once we are back to 'normal'?

Ben Eine

Go swimming.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

GraffitiStreet

Are any plans still intact for future projects? Or is everything on hold?

Ben Eine

A bit of both. Anything outside of the UK is still up in the air.

Ben Eine ‘and another fine mess / I’m happy very very happy’ LONDON 2020. Photo Credit Jack arts

EINE’s bright and colourful words bring humour and positivity that disrupt the grey environment we’ve all felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. If fresh paint brings the rise to new beginnings then spray on!