Month: May 2022

4440. Cumberland Basin

One of the most recognisable styles in Bristol is from Taboo, and the interesting thing about that is that although he usually writes ‘Taboo’, no two pieces look the same, unlike some writers who like to recreate their letters in a similar format from piece to piece.

Taboo, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2022
Taboo, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2022

In this one, Taboo’s unruly letters, once again seem to defy convention, for example, he uses two different border colours halfway through the word. The letters are imaginative and creative, and don’t really follow a font style, although one can tell that they are all by the same artist. No character in this piece, which is a bit of a pity, because they add a further dimension to the overall work. This is yet another wonderful piece of writing from an artist who likes to plough his own furrow.

4439. Dean Lane skate Park (492)

One of the best things about looking for and photographing street art is the surprises. Sometimes, everything can get a bit predictable, with the same artists spraying the same kinds of things in their usual spots, and then a piece like this appears shaking everything up.

Sepr and Sled One, Dean Lane, Bristtol, April 2022
Sepr and Sled One, Dean Lane, Bristtol, April 2022

Sepr and Sled One have collaborated before, and in this piece, a true collaboration has emerged with the two styles blending into the same subject. I am guessing the piece is called ‘dancing with the devil’ if one says what one sees.

The lady to the left is by Sepr, and the greyscale figure is full of movement and concentration, dancing with her much larger partner. The devil character is by Sled One and is delicately, touchingly, holding his partner. One can only guess at his intentions, but in this moment the dance appears to be both intense and tender. Incredible storytelling from the pair of artists. The devil’s shoes are a hoot. This is one of the best character pieces in Bristol so far this year.

Ninja, ? – 14 May 2022

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The glue that bound us

even the dog will miss you

darling, crazy cat

.

by Scooj

Today we buried our wonderful companion. May she rest in peace.

4438. M32 roundabout J3 (409)

Oof! Mest can really dial it up when he feels like it, and with this birthday celebration piece for Stivs, he has absolutely smashed it. I am guessing that during this birthday paint jam, Mest took his time to create this really tight piece.

Mest, M32 roundabout, Bristol, April 2022
Mest, M32 roundabout, Bristol, April 2022

The first thing to note is the unusual colour combination of cream pink and blue, which might not be an obvious alliance, but somehow he has carried it off. His letter shapes are a little more dynamic than usual and all the additional little details pick our different aspects of the writing. A very nice piece indeed, lifting Mest up into the next level. Also a fabulous tribute to Stivs on his birthday.

4437. Elton Street (7)

I would say that Emily Joy Rich is a fabulous designer and sign writing artist, and although she isn’t a regular painter of ‘non-legal’ walls, she does create som wonderful works on legal walls, blending ‘corporate’ art with street art.

Emily Joy Rich, Elton Street, Bristol, April 2022
Emily Joy Rich, Elton Street, Bristol, April 2022

In this piece in the Elton Street gallery, Emily Joy Rich has created some gorgeous script writing, so clean and crisp, on a moody cloud background. As is often the case with wordy street art, I am left with an ear worm that I simply can’t shake off and will be with me for the rest of the day. Rhythm is a Dancer by Snap! Is one of those tunes with a strong beat that stays with you. This is a fine piece from Emily Joy Rich.

Announcement

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The civil service

to be cut back by a fifth

a savage attack

.

by Scooj

I am a civil servant and I am disgusted with today’s announcement that the government has decided to cut 91,000 jobs. Worse still, they made the announcement in an article in the Tory propaganda machine the Daily Mail, rather than having the courtesy to inform their own staff first. Disgusting but typical.

I would hope that the nation remembers that it was the civil service that kept the country on its feet during the pandemic, that keeps the government machine ticking over. Civil servants were lucky enough to keep their employment throughout, and worked bloody hard too. And don’t forget they also pay taxes, not something the government will ever recognise.

I despise the Conservatives and their contempt for the public sector. I yearn for an election and the chance to be rid of the lot of them.

4436. Brunel Way (157)

To reach this wonderful piece by Mr Underbite, you need to trample through some dense spring vegetation, but it is utterly worth the effort. I find it impossible not to love this character, and the way he is presented. The shared name of the artist and character is a clever piece of branding/presentation, but might also become a constraint if the artist decides to develop or create new characters or styles. For the moment though, that doesn’t matter, because the concept is a good one, and it is lovingly created.

Mr Underbite, Brunel Way, Bristol, April 2022
Mr Underbite, Brunel Way, Bristol, April 2022

Mr Underbite definitely operates in this area, I haven’t seen anything further afield yet, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be too long before he spreads his wings. In green tones with yellow borders, Mr Underbite is looking as forlorn as ever, but his ‘Yo!’ exclamation would seem to indicate that all is well. Another fine and touching piece from Mr Underbite.

4435. Dean Lane skate park (491)

What a lovely thing to find on the long wall in Dean Lane skate park. Fresh, clean and definitely a collaboration to bring a smile to your face. The RBF crew have been particularly busy of late in various spots around the city, but you don’t often see their work in Dean Lane.

Evey, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2022
Evey, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2022

It looks to me like Evey has been having some coaching from Bnie with her 3D shadow, as I’ve never seen her paint these patterns before. This is what I love about street art; all the artists seem to be continuously developing and improving their work, moving from idea to idea and pushing themselves. The fills in her letters are rather fun too, and the colours definitely complement each other.

Bnie, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2022
Bnie, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2022

The other half of the collaborative wall is by Bnie in which she has absolutely smashed it in my opinion. The piece has everything you would expect from Bnie but elevated to the next level. This might even be her finest piece yet. The letter fills are beautifully blended and the white highlights lift them out a bit. The 3D fill is to die for, with a clever and rather unique patterning, which is a sure trademark of hers. The double border is nice and neat and provides the distinction between the letters and background. I love this piece, and I am enjoying these recent RBF collaborations.

Evey and Bnie, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2022
Evey and Bnie, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2022

Unimaginable

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It isn’t thunder

or lightening lighting the sky

bombs fall on Ukraine

.

by Scooj

4434. L Dub (37)

At the edge of the tunnel at L Dub, we can see from this tidy piece, just what an accomplished artist DJ Perks is becoming. DJ Perks is never one to shy away from pushing the envelope and in this piece he has created a superb writing/character combination that is unlike other pieces he has created. He really is a talent.

DJ Perks, L Dub, Bristol, April 2022
DJ Perks, L Dub, Bristol, April 2022

I have a feeling that this piece was painted alongside artists from the LRS crew during a bit of a paint jam in April. The letters ‘L Dub’ are beautifully designed and have a strength about them, as well as being superbly filled. The character is something of a classic, but more than that it is painted with wonderful shades and shadows, offering some depth to the character. This is great work from an artist on the up.