.
Winter’s last stand;
cloudy vapours tumble out
on exhalation.
by Scooj
Month: April 2017
708. Moon Street (27)
I saw this beautiful piece appear in July 2016, at around about the same time as Upfest. Subsequently, I had seen some similar pieces in Shoreditch, during my six month stint commuting to London a couple of days a week. I was never quite sure who the artist was though, so have held on to this until I found out.
As is usually the case, Instagram came to the rescue and I was able to track down the artist, whose nom de plume is Coloquix. You can see more of his amazing work on this Global Street Art page. I believe that Coloquix is from Sheffield, but I think he creates his work in various places in the country.
I am really drawn to his work, it seems to have a simple sophistication (if that is not a contradiction in terms) and beauty, and I love the way he chooses to overlay his work on existing pieces. It is nice, at last, to write this post.
707. Moon Street (26)
Sky High is no stranger to the streets of Bristol and I have posted pieces by him in Magdalene Place and in Dean Lane previously. I think he is based in London, but it is always nice when he visits. This piece appeared at the same time as Upfest 2016, and although I am not aware that he was a guest artist at the event, he might well have come for the buzz, and left a little present for us.
Sky High has a wonderful take on wildstyle writing, which is to spell out Sky High with block lettering, each letter in a different style and colour. The overall effect is really colourful and imaginative. Definitely one for those with a designer’s eye. It would be good to see a return this year.
Hearing is seeing
Gulls over Bristol;
eyes shut, I am transported
to a summer shore.
by Scooj
706. Upfest 2016 (110)
This is the sixth piece by Shab that I have posted since the beginning of the year. A relatively new discovery for me, but he has been here all the time…I just hadn’t recognised his work. I feel such a fool, because he is not only really established in Bristol, but turns out fantastic pieces across the city Bristol which somehow fell under my radar.
His work at Upfest appeared on the side of a train carriage with the word ‘unwellcome’ (spelling) written above several of his line drawn figures and heads. His human figures are like studies or drafts, with particular attention to proportions, muscles and form. I do like his work very much, and of course the piece is generously sprinkled with eyes.
705. Upfest 2016 (109)
The international presence comes across very strongly at Upfest. This lovely piece by Scandinavian artist Salla Ikonen really shows how different styles, colours, subjects and influences come in to play to give a distinctiveness to work that has its origins outside the UK. Even within the UK, different parts of the country appear to have localised flavours.
I love the softness of this piece, and the calm colours, both the pink of the subject and the purples and greens in the background. There is something very appealing about this work, and it is so different to most of the street art we see in Bristol.
Cornish snow
In seventy-nine
we two played with a lightness
enjoying the snow.
704. Upfest 2016 (108)
Another wonderful paste up from Losthills of Jake the dog. In this one we see Jake sporting an interesting/spooky charm necklace.
There is something pleasing about the way Losthills sprays his pieces before he pastes them up, the dots of white paint in this instance add to the overall texture of the piece. I am rather fond of Jake the dog.
Flutter by
.
A visitation,
a moment at the window
and then it is gone.
by Scooj
703. Upfest 2016 (107)
We were treated to some wonderfully colourful pieces at Upfest last year, but right up there with the best of them was this lovely piece by KOB, aka Kobtropikal. Kob, originally from Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, started painting in 1999.
KOB has a rather organic approach to his work and favours painting surreal imaginary animals or plants or combinations of the two. He has a Facebook page, and interestingly has selected this piece as his avatar, so he must have been pleased with it. This piece has stuck in my mind, when many others have drifted in and out. It must have some strong elements that make it so memorable. A fine piece.
Natural adventures 