Inkie is a hugely influential artist on the Bristol, and indeed world, street art scene. Originally from Clifton in Bristol he now works in London. His works are celebrated alongside Banksy, Nick Walker and 3D…he even has his own Wikipedia page, so he must be important.
I walked past three of his works today, but have been puzzled and most intrigued by this one. My first impression and assumption was that it was not completed, but that would seem to be mad…Interweb to the rescue.
The work was completed as one of the central pieces for the ‘See no Evil’ event in 2012, which Inkie himself organised. I have featured several other remaining artworks from the event in previous posts.
The ownership of the host building was set to change hands in November 2012 and the departing landlord started to remove the street art prior to selling, but only removed a part of it before leaving it as we see it today. The following link is a news item from the time. The comments at the end make for really interesting reading, and show the spectrum of views about street art in a light that might not at first be obvious.
7/10
Natural adventures 
It took a moment for me to understand your confusion. I didn’t see the face straight away, and thought that it was actually blocked out by the missing bit on the right, signifying the “see no” part. Now I’m the one who sees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“When Money speaks Art is Silent”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am confused. I thought he had taken out it out so he could sell it–why did he buff it. I read some of the comments but I am no sure I got it. Did it have to do with the mayor?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The mayor thing is a bit of a red herring. The mayor supports street art and was in favour of the Upfest event in South Bristol. Some perceived this to be in direct competition with and detrimental to the See no Evil event. The latter no longer happens but it is not due to the mayor.
It was the building owner that removed the art, but only a bit of it. Who knows what was in their mind?
LikeLiked by 1 person