This vivid and ghoulish stencil made me momentarily think of enigmatic avantgarde pop star Tricky Kid. Once a member of Bristolian sound system/pop group known as the Wild Bunch/Massive Attack, he ‘blew up’ in the mid 90’s with his debut album Maxinequaye. After a brief sojourn in the daylight of celebrity (he dated icelandic pop elf, Bjork) he gradually slunk back into the shadows where he probably felt more comfortable. As Tricky Kid once breathily slurred,  Hell is round the corner where I shelter…

Old Skull Face reminds me of the fact that life is fragile and turning round any particular corner in London could change the path of a particular individual’s existence. In this case, Aklam Road just off Portobello Road in London’s Notting Hill. Not the most welcoming space at any time of day or night but once home to legendary club Subterranea, where I misspent my youth on many occasions.

P.S. The last time I saw Tricky was at last year’s Glastonbury, performing a surreal routine with American R’n’B Queen Beyonce. Always strange but never predictable is our kid!