EastEnders has unveiled a powerful mural of a black woman as a permanent backdrop to Albert Square
Image Source/ Evening Standard
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The vibrant new artwork – which was created by Nottingham-born visual artist Dreph – is positioned on the set’s Bridge Street on the wall of the Beales’ house opposite the famous Queen Vic pub.
Dreph – whose real name is Neequaye Dsane – said:
‘The opportunity to have my artwork on the set as a permanent feature, having the same impact as my work has on the streets of London, was a really exciting opportunity.
‘I remember watching the very first EastEnders episode three decades ago, so I was really surprised to hear from the team!
‘I’m so pleased that EastEnders has found a way to reflect modern day UK in a time when so many of us are finding ways to voice anti-racism and I’m so happy that my work will become the backdrop to future storylines in the show’.
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The artist is best known for his large-scale murals and oil paintings which can be found all over the world, with his subjects ranging from strangers to friends and family.
They are often a tribute to living unsung heroes and heroines, and his piece on the BBC soap comes after Dreph’s 2017 You Are Enough project – which saw him go across London with a series of portraits of black women to pay tribute to friends doing amazing things for both their own communities and society as a whole.
EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen added:
‘Dreph’s mural is an exciting and timely addition to the show that reflects events taking place in the real world.
‘Anti-racism is something that the cast, crew and producers care passionately about at EastEnders and the show is well known for tackling social issues and celebrating diversity and inclusivity through its characters and storylines’.
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