Draining

Urban Exploration can be defined as ‘…the examination of the normally unseen or off-
limits parts of urban areas or industrial facilities’ such as abandoned buildings, drain
networks, canals and disused train lines.

The subculture surrounding Urban Exploration, specifically the practise of ‘Draining’,
provides the focus of my artistic investigation, as it is the epitome of what Urban
Exploration represents. Draining usually involves one or more people going into a
stormwater drain for purposes of curiosity, adventure, escape, solitude, or any other
reason they may choose. My art explores these reasons, while looking at other aspects
including the architecture of the drains, as they are often bizarre and surprising in form,
which in turn give birth to their own motifs.

I am also interested in these spaces as they are mostly unseen by the common man.
Although they sit right beneath us, all throughout our cities and neighbourhoods, it
is only those select few, curious enough, daring enough, to venture inside that get to
experience them.

Oliver Hopes

Press for DRAINS 2
The Art Life
Concrete Playground