Acclaimed Spiritual Graffiti artist Mohammed Ali paints London street mural

Award winning artist Mohammed Ali has just completed his first London Spiritual graffiti mural, in the heart of the busy shopping area of Green Street, Upton Park, sponsored by leading UK charity relief organisation Muslim Hands.

During Saturday 31st October, Mohammed painted his mural in front of busy shoppers, art critics and the general public, while spoken word poets performed over a PA system, bringing together huge crowds on the busy street corner on Green Street

The message of the mural reads ‘Knowledge – a weapon against mass distraction’ warns against the dangers of ignorance. It aims to bring together different faith communities and to celebrate shared values.

The mural attracted great attention from people across the city and beyond, with many staying throughout the day to witness the completion. After completing the mural by the end of the day, Mohammed says ‘This is where art should be, out in the open for all to see and appreciate, not hidden away in fancy art galleries".

Local councillors turned up to witness this landmark mural at this popular spot. Labour councillor of Newham, Councillor Sharaf Mahmood says "With interfaith forums, people of different backgrounds and religions coming together to clean up the area and make a difference, this links in with what we're trying to do as a council. I'm really pleased that he's chosen Green Street."

Mohammed Ali is renowned for his unique street-art which addresses issues that face multi-cultural and multi-faith societies. His murals have been painted across the globe from New York to Sydney Australia, have been welcomed and reported by international media as a ‘bridge of understanding, between faith communities."

Muslim Hands, a UK based international relief organisation has commissioned Mohammed Ali to paint his murals across UK cities. Shahid Bashir, the director of Muslim Hands says “Mohammed works perfectly for us, as he highlights principles that we as a charity stand for, highlighting issues such as alleviating poverty, being generous and kind.”

Click here to listen to the BBC4 radio coverage of the London Mural

Notes to editors

• Mohammed Ali can be available for a photo opportunity at the Green Street mural by arrangement.
• Further High-Resolution images and Video footage are available on request.
• Muslim Hands is registered in the UK with British Overseas NGOs Development (BOND), DFID and a signatory to the Code of Conduct for The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief