Anonymous street artist Hendog strikes in Dover
11:36, 21 February 2023
updated: 11:36, 21 February 2023
An anonymous street artist has struck in Kent and created two pieces of artwork for the community.
Known only as 'Hendog', the designer decided to make their debut in Dover on issues surrounding child refugees and homelessness.
However, there was disappointed after one piece was swiftly removed.
Speaking anonymously to KentOnline, Hendog says: "I decided that because Dover has multiple ports, the symbolism between the idea of being trapped between borders and then putting it between two ports was exactly what I felt like I needed to do.
"The more I dug into it, the more I realised there was a problem in the UK with Ukrainian refugees and rates of homelessness.
"The bigger the rabbit hole got and the more I read, I thought people need to realise about this issue so that collectively we can come together and do something for the people who are on the shores.
"The build up of the piece was based on innocence. I dressed the boy up in a 1940s outfit because for me when I think of wartime in Europe, it's the 40s.
"I couldn't see past that so I just went with it and the 40s look of a little boy coming over to the UK but having no where to go.
"In modern time a war has never happened on this scale so I was stumped on it."
One artwork was created along the seafront, on a building named Pebbles Kiosk. But it has since been removed.
The other is on a pillar in Waterloo Crescent.
"I did the first piece at about 1.30am and the second went up at around 3.30am," Hendog says.
"One of my pieces has recently been removed so there has been a bit of uproar about that but up until then it was all positive."
The artist added anonymity is hugely important to what they do: "Hendog has always been a nickname growing up but the anonymity side of it is really important.
"Trying to keep as under the radar as possible is quite important.
"I've always been very aware that when I put a piece up I am doing it without permission and whoever owns the wall, it is completely their choice and they should have freedom to remove it if they want to.
"If there is an uproar about it I will pay for its removal but it is important that everyone remembers that whoever owns the wall decided what to do with the artwork."
Hendog started doing art therapy for mental health reasons and says it has developed since then.
"When you look at the art world as a whole you kind of look at it as a business prospect," Hendog says.
"It is very difficult and I personally believe art is for all people and it doesn't matter if you have thousands to buy a fine piece of art, or whether you just appreciate art and what it does for culture.
"By bypassing the art work as a whole, I was able to bring art directly to people.
"That was always a goal of mine."
Residents in Dover have shared their happiness after spotting the pieces of art.
"I think Dover should be more welcoming to these kinds of unique faces in unseen places - they make the town feel so much more vibrant and diverse," one resident commented on Facebook.
"Here's hoping the town council don't feel differently; I don't want another repeat of what happened to our Banksy..."
Others said: "Exactly what our town needs some tasteful and well done art.
"They're great, not offensive to anyone, hope they stay.
"Most attractive things on the seafront."
Banksy previously painted a Brexit artwork in Dover, but it was painted over a short while later. There have since been calls to try and preserve it.
Hendog told KentOnline they have plans for more pieces in Kent.
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