London is Hungry

London is an animal with countless heads, supported by a muscular lean body, of such mass that it can be quite indistinguishable anatomically, yet through squinted eyes it can be seen. Its tail is long and flicks instinctively towards its undercarriage in strong defence of indefinable genitalia. London’s teeth from the front, are sharp, an iridescent pearl white. Towards the back of the mouth, however, London’s maulers are well worn, discoloured and loose, held in place by raw bloody gums. It answers to many different names, Tiffany, Argos, Nando’s, The Savoy, Kensington and Hackney, depending on who is calling. London has too many names, but no single owner, no hand strong enough to hold it with a leash. All this aside, the creature and I are ready for each other now. It is time to squint my eyes and place my head inside London’s mouth. The points of entry were The Strand Gallery and The Aura Mayfair. These two exhibitions gave me time to spend tickling the stomach of this unusually beautiful and paradoxically ugly beast. London, you are always hungry, so thirsty, so fat and yet so starved. Don’t take my left hand, as I need it to paint. I don’t mean to stare London, but you are such a spectacle. London, I will call you Hopeful for now!