This month, a major exhibition of the YBA (Young British Artists) opened at the National Art Center, Tokyo.
For those unfamiliar, YBA refers to a group of young artists who shook up the London art scene, primarily during the 1990s.
Currently, we are seeing a global resurgence of interest in the YBA era. A prime example is the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which recently began a massive multi-year renovation. For their final grand exhibition before closing, they chose Wolfgang Tillmans—a key figure associated with the YBA generation—drawing massive crowds.
So, why the YBA, and why now? And what has become of the London art scene since their departure? In this post, I want to explore their roots and the reality of being an artist in London today.
Punk Spirit Born from the “Rock Bottom”
To understand why the YBA emerged, you have to look at the UK economy of the time.
In the late 80s and early 90s, London was in the midst of a stagnant economy. For young artists, the chance of being represented by an established gallery was practically zero. It was against this bleak backdrop in 1988 that Damien Hirst, then a student at Goldsmiths, University of London, decided: “If no one will show us, we’ll do it ourselves.”
Driven by a raw punk spirit, he rented out a derelict warehouse in the London Docklands to host the “Freeze” exhibition. This legendary show became the definitive starting point for everything that followed.
https://entergallery.com/blogs/news/celebrating-the-legacy-of-freeze-exhibition?srsltid=AfmBOopbdI1s26-HPOksrmu4Iwk7YGnBxEOh-0CH4ZK9kXBm07q2SUe-
Goldsmiths College played a massive role in the YBA culture. Unlike other prestigious art schools in London (like the RCA or UAL), Goldsmiths offered a boundary-breaking, interdisciplinary education. This freedom allowed for the birth of works that defied tradition—like Hirst’s shark preserved in formaldehyde or Tracey Emin’s notorious “My Bed.”
What truly set these artists apart was that they weren’t just creators; they possessed a fierce entrepreneurial spirit. They weren’t content with staying in a small, insular community. They actively invited heavyweights like Charles Saatchi (who ran the Saatchi Gallery in central London) to their DIY shows, essentially forcing their way into the mainstream art world.
This attitude—breaking through or simply ignoring the stagnation of the times—resonates deeply with the sense of closure many feel in today’s society. Perhaps that’s why their rebellious energy feels so relevant and necessary in Japan right now.
The Double-Edged Sword of Gentrification
However, if you look at London today, the environment for artists has changed beyond recognition.
The East London that served as the YBA’s playground was “poor, dirty, and dangerous.” But that was exactly why artists could rent vast, abandoned factories and warehouses as studios for next to nothing. Areas like Shoreditch and Hoxton were hubs of chaotic energy, where art and illegal warehouse parties blurred together under loose regulations.
Where are the Artists Now?
Despite the struggle, artists continue to survive by migrating further out. Here are the four main hubs today:
Hackney Wick:
East of Shoreditch. Though a wave of development is hitting and new buildings are popping up, many “artist studios” (large partitioned buildings) still remain. It’s a 20-minute walk from the new V&A East, so expect more changes soon.
Deptford & New Cross:
South East London. As the home of Goldsmiths, this area remains vibrant and packed with students and young creatives.
Walthamstow:
North East London. Rent is still relatively affordable here, and its proximity to East London makes it popular for those seeking sustainable studio spaces.
Peckham:
The heart of South London. Historically a thriving African community, it’s now one of the most energetic art scenes, thanks to its proximity to UAL’s Camberwell campus, filled with galleries and rooftop bars.
I currently rent a space at ASC Studios in South London. Because London flats are tiny and expensive, most artists rent separate studios and often share them with friends. My shared space (about 16 sqm) costs me roughly £150 a month.
These communities are vital. They host open calls and “Open Studio” events where you can open your doors to the public, meet other artists, and exchange the information necessary to survive as a creative person in this city.
The “Reason to Create” Never Changes
The trajectory of London’s artists—making a neighborhood cool only to be pushed out by the resulting hype—is a testament to the ironic relationship between art and urban development. The chaotic East London of the 90s is gone, but that spirit hasn’t vanished; it has simply evolved and moved South and further East.
The YBA’s ability to turn economic stagnation into raw energy offers us a “breakthrough” mindset that we sorely need today.
They proved that true value often exists outside the established system. Just as the YBAs redefined the world from a derelict warehouse, the fundamental “reason to create” remains unchanged. No matter how polished or expensive the city becomes, new expressions will continue to be born in the corners of Hackney Wick and Peckham.