SINCE his artworks began appearing anonymously on the streets of Glasgow they have attracted both puzzling and admiring glances, but no complaints.
However, student and street artist Peter Drew now fears he may be expelled from Glasgow School of Art unless he stops displaying images around the city.
Mr Drew, who is studying for a Master's degree at the art school, began putting up artworks last year on the city's hoardings, alleyways and on nondescript streets last year.
Although they can be treated as graffiti, as he has not sought permission from the owners of the buildings, the works have more in common with the internationally-renowned British artist Banksy than vandalism.
As a result, Mr Drew has been praised for brightening up some of Glasgow's more unloved corners.
Street art has become an established genre within the British art scene and Prime Minister David Cameron presented a painting by Banksy to US President Barack Obama as a gift during a trip to the US three years ago.
Mr Drew, who is visiting Glasgow from Adelaide, Australia, has carried out similar projects in his native city and in London, and at first the art school appeared to be behind his activities. It even went as far as using some of his art in its promotional material.
However, the urban artist has now been warned that unless he stops his "non-commissioned art activities" the school will have to review his status as a student.
Bosses at the institution, which boasts four Turner Prize winning artists among its alumni, also raised his status as a foreign student and said his street art may draw the attention of the UK Border Agency.
In an email to the artist, his programme leader said: "At our meeting you stated you had continued to post graffiti in Glasgow and you did not intend to stop.
"I explained once again that this attitude to the matter puts the GSA in a very vulnerable position in relation to the Council as well a potentially with the UKBA.
"The UKBA issues visas to students in good faith, assuming those students will comply with the rules and regulations of the educational institution as well as the laws and social norms of the land. If you continue without such permissions, there will be a need to review your status as a student with Glasgow School of Art."
The 29-year-old, whose thesis ironically explores the inability for large institutions to embrace illegally made street art, says he is hugely disappointed by the Art School's stance but will be forced to stop his work if they carry through with their threat.
He said: "I came here with my partner and it's been a pretty big deal that was three years in the planning. Glasgow is one of the best art schools in the world and I'm pretty surprised at the stance they are taking.
"I'm doing my thesis on how large institutions do not embrace street art so I was not expecting this reaction from Glasgow School of Art. Up until now my experiences have been great.
"But if they are really threatening to kick me out I will have to stop."
A Glasgow School of Art spokesman said there had been no complaints about the artworks, even after Drew's work was featured in The Herald in February.
However, she added: "Mr Drew has been advised that graffiti and street art is illegal within the UK without the permission of the property owner, and has been asked to ensure he obtains the necessary permissions.
"As with any student who refuses to abide by the law, the GSA has a duty to review their status."
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