Month: July 2021

3788. M32 roundabout J3 (335)

The Pirate Wall Art (PWA) boys have been very busy this year both as individuals and as collaborators. They have also introduced a bit on a new look theme to their more recent work, which is well demonstrated in this nice piece from Soap.

Soap, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
Soap, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021

The new theme is to frame the piece in a wobbly border, and it is something that Soap, Nightwayss and Face 1st are incorporating into their work. It is a PWA thing. This is a rather nice self-contained piece with Soap’s mouth/skull icon, this time attached to a body, and a hand bearing a large gem. Next time I see Soap, I must ask him what the gem thing is all about – he has been featuring them in his work for about six months now. Great fun piece.

Final(ly)

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This Italophile

makes no apologies for

cheering on England

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by Scooj

Infestation

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Moths in the dog food

hundreds and hundreds of them

culprits evicted

.

by Scooj

3787. Brunel Way (115)

So here we are again with another couple of fabulous small pieces by urban artist Maybe. When it comes to simplicity and creativity Maybe ticks all the boxes, and with these pieces he also creates a sense of fun.

Maybe, Brunel Way, Bristol, June 2021
Maybe, Brunel Way, Bristol, June 2021

The lava lamp, such an iconic design, is inspired and the stretching ‘lava’ liquid takes the form of a couple of faces… such a lovely idea.

Maybe, Brunel Way, Bristol, June 2021
Maybe, Brunel Way, Bristol, June 2021

The other piece is unfortunately a little obscured with a tag on the left, but it is mostly intact, and the sunshine face is a joyful image. Much more to come from this imaginative artist.

3786. Upfest 2021 75×75 (10)

One of my all time favourite artists in Bristol is Hazard, and it is not difficult to understand why.  Her portraits, so full of depth, emotion and colour, can be found dotted around the city, and although many have long-since gone, there are still several to be found. This new piece for the Upfest 75 walls in 75 days initiative, is breathtakingly beautiful. It is also frustratingly difficult to photograph.

Hazard, North Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
Hazard, North Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21

I passed by while she was mid-way through painting the piece and was going to stop for a chat, but I could see that she was in full flow and I didn’t really want to disturb her. I rather like the ladder on the side of the building, taking away a little bit of the glamour we might associate with being a muralist.

Hazard, North Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
Hazard, North Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21

The piece itself is a gorgeous portrait of a woman in deep red colours with blue hair and a Garland of what looks like clouds and vapours in a pinky orange hue. The connection with nature is obvious, as it is in so many of Hazard’s pieces, with the leaves to the right of the piece.

It is so good to see Hazard back out painting our walls, it has been a quiet eighteen months from her.

3785. M32 roundabout J3 (334)

I always feel like I am a little bit behind the curve when it comes to Stivs. He has only really come onto my radar over the last twelve months or so, and I have struggled to post as many of his outstanding pieces as I would like.

Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021

This is a real beauty, tucked away on the M32 roundabout. Unlike some of his more formal caligraffiti, this piece uses his calligraphic principals and blends them into some wildstyle writing. The colours work really well together and Stivs has worked in some incredibly detailed fills and patterns. This is a mighty piece.

3784. Cumberland Basin

This is another example of the willingness of Eman to stretch himself and experiment with different subjects and forms, and I for one am thoroughly enjoying the ride. The skull of an ungulate would not be everyone’s first thought for street art, but it is a perfect study for honing the skills.

Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2021
Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2021

Eman’s versatility and productivity is elevating the artist’s profile in Bristol, and all the hard work is paying off. Two things I love about this piece: the shadings of blues and whites to give the skull some depth and texture; and the somewhat counterintuitive red border, which is quite a bold thing to do. Great piece.

3783. Upfest 2021 75×75 (9)

It is a funny thing, but I think that this is the first time I have seen this wall painted with a single piece. It is a long wall with quite a few challenges, such as the notice board and the telegraph poles, but Molly Hawkins has done a splendid job, creating this wonderful mural for Upfest’s 75 walls in 75 days initiative.

Molly Hawkins, Greville Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
Molly Hawkins, Greville Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21

I have not come across Molly Hawkins before but I understand, from doing a little research, that she is a Bristol-based mural artist and illustrator. I believe she has other murals in Stokes Croft and Bedminster that I am going to have to track down at some point.

In this piece she has concealed a female figure holding a triangle that contained a whole lot of symbolism for the artist. She explains this on her Instagram account as follows:

I read up on the symbolism of a triangle, and found a meaning that resonated with me, and inspired the design for this piece:

‘A triangle represents manifestation, enlightenment, revelation and a higher perspective. It is often used to mark the cycles of growth that lead to a higher state of being. Spiritually, it represents a path towards enlightenment or connection to an omnipresent being.’

A very nice mural and addition to the Upfest event

3782. Frome Side (11)

I always feel a little anxious visiting this spot, because I get these ridiculous images of falling into the river, and need to be extra vigilant. The anxiety is more than worth it in terms of the reward of some seriously excellent graffiti art. This lively piece is by Lewse.

Lewse, Frome side, Bristol, June 2021
Lewse, Frome side, Bristol, June 2021

The format is a common one for Lewse, with letters in her own font, beautifully filled and book-ended with a lovely Yogi Bear cartoon character. Lewse has definitely got these writing/cartoon character combos down to a tee. Always good to see her work.

Freedom

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Incarceration

ten day self-isolation

pass through the threshold

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by Scooj