Month: September 2017

1012. Upfest 2017 (50)

Well, I have clocked up my first 50 Upfest 2017 pieces, and we are only in September – maybe I’ll get everything posted before next year’s festival, although I doubt it – there is just so much street/graffiti art happening in Bristol at the moment.

This was the brilliant official Upfest piece by Caro Pepe and Age Age, which was in the covered section of the Tobacco Factory car park, which given the weather over the three days was probably something of a blessing.

Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

These two artists have collaborated many times, and really seem to enjoy working together. At last year’s festival they had adjacent spots and created separate works, however it seems that since then they have worked together much more.

Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Working in soft mauves and browns, the two artists have combined the distinctive portraits of Caro Pepe with the elements of function and machinery that Age Age specialises in. The blend works well and I can see why they like to combine their styles. I am not sure, but I think the final version below was tampered with over the eye. It is possible that this was part of the original work, but Caro Pepe’s ‘blind’ eyes don’t usually have a patch like this.

Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

As well as this wonderful piece, the pair worked on another wall and a shutter during their short stay in Bristol, which is a real bonus. Both of these to follow.

Leaf litter

 

On the woodland floor

fallen from the canopy

sweet caterpillar.

 

by Scooj

1011. Upfest 2017 (49)

Mazzi C is an artist whose plain speaking and informative Upfest biography profile tells us that she is inspired by natural organic forms and Oriental art. Mazzie C, from Cornwall (my favourite place) goes on to say that she finds the juxtoposition of natural themes and street art using sprays and inks interesting. Her work is driven by dialetics of nature and urban culture. Well mine too – welcome to Natural Adventures.

Mazzie C, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mazzie C, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This small work is subtle and engaging (I want to use the word charming, but it always sounds so patronising). There are several things going on here – the beautiful bird set amongst triangles and stencilled flower patterns, the swirling folds are also really well crafted, almost as if the whole thing is made of cloth. Now I just need to see some of this work on walls!

1010. Upfest 2017 (48)

One of the truly outstanding and memorable pieces of Upfest 2017 was this extraordinary image of an infant holding a spray can. The artist, Mon Devane, comes from the city of Ourense in Galicia, Spain.

Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Taking a look at his website, you can see that he has  a strong and recognisable style, using a monochrome style on vibrant backgrounds. There is nothing subtle about his pieces, they are bold statements, and beautifully crafted.

Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I do like it when street artists incorporate a spray can into their art, like the old masters including a paint pallette – the tools of their trade. I think that this might have been one of the most popular pieces from the Ashton Gate wall (although there were so many great pieces there), simply because of its instant impact.

1009. Upfest 2017 (47)

Life can be funny sometimes, and every now and again we are surprised.

Last year I wrote a post about a lovely piece by Beep Monkey at the Ashton Gate School site, and until the Summer, I had heard nothing more about the artist. Then, during a casual chat at work with one of my colleagues (of several years) we meandered onto the subject of street art. She was not aware that I blogged about street art in Bristol and I most certainly didn’t know that her husband was Beep Monkey. Curious how we navigate our way through life, and then occasionally have these serendipitous moments.

Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

So armed with new insight into Beep Monkey, I was able to seek out his piece in North Street Green and understand a little bit about what inspired it. I believe that his daughters might have given him a rather big steer for this piece – a prancing pink unicorn being the central character.

Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Of course, there is a slightly subversive element to this piece, again, I think a steer from children, which is that the unicorn is indeed farting a rainbow – but of course, didn’t you know that that is what pink unicorn farts look like?

Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The Unicorn might have been the ‘commissioned’ element, but I am rather more attracted to the yellow character riding on its back and which was in last year’s piece. Is this the Beep Monkey? Fine stuff once again, and who knows, if he is here for Upfest 2018, I might just get even more insight.

Kite

 

In blustery winds

empty skies become busy,

dazzling with colour.

 

by Scooj

Clean it up

 

Going for a walk?

the message is loud and clear,

clean up doggy poop.

 

by Scooj

1008. Upfest 2017 (46)

At Upfest, I am always rather fond of these small square boards that give artists the opportunity to showcase their work. I am guessing that they might also be able to sell these small pieces, but I am not sure. This witty piece is by Mr Bear, who produced this lovely Baloo work at last year’s festival.

Mr Bear, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mr Bear, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

There are quite a few fun things going on here, although I really don’t know what the word ‘bacon’ is doing in the ‘Hello my name is’ badge. This is a really goos multi-layered stencil from that nice Mr Bear. Would be great to see him return again next time.

1007. Church Road, St George.

My daughter has a chameleon, which eats live locusts. Every now and then, when I have forgotten to order them I have to traipse over to the other side of Bristol to get some, and this journey takes me through St George where I spotted this shutter piece. This is in my view rather special, because it is by the highly talented Braga Last1.

Braga Last1, Church Road St George, Bristol, July 2017
Braga Last1, Church Road St George, Bristol, July 2017

Braga Last1 is a Belgian artist who has been over to Bristol for Upfest for the last two years, and I have a feeling he did this commission in 2016. There is so much to like about this piece. First off, the artist himself, secondly it depicts a cartoon version of Darth Vader and thirdly it is beautifully sprayed. I like it a lot. Belgium seems to be having a bit of a street art golden period at the moment, with other artists such as Mehsos, Bisser and Dzia all stunning audiences with their work. Of course Belgium has a very rich culture of art going back centuries, and maybe this heritage inspires them. More from Braga Last1 soon.

1006. East Street

Situated on top of the Besley Hill estate agent’s premises and commanding a grand view from East Street over to the Steam Crane is this colourful and detailed piece by Loch Ness. Having seen Loch Ness at work on more than one occasion, I know that he takes his time and really concentrates hard on every detail of his work.

Loch Ness, East Street, Bristol, March 2017
Loch Ness, East Street, Bristol, March 2017

This particular piece features a whole bunch of monsters perched on top of a row of houses enjoying themselves playing and fishing. There is a nice little touch on the right hand side, where you can see two hot air balloons, something for which Bristol is famous – indeed Cameron balloons is directly behind this shop.

Loch Ness, East Street, Bristol, March 2017
Loch Ness, East Street, Bristol, March 2017

Loch Ness fills his pieces with colour and energy and there is always a lot going on. This is a fine and entertaining piece which brightens up this end of the high street.