.
The boy turned twenty
how on Earth did that happen?
too fast the years pass
.
by Scooj
Month: June 2022
4490. Cumberland Basin
I am told you make your own luck, but I am not so sure, sometimes you just get lucky, and my chance encounter with SkyHigh and Roo down at Cumberland Basin while walking the dog a couple of weeks back, was a real lucky bonus.
SkyHigh paints with an intensity and concentration that does not lend itself to chit chat, and so while he got on with the job of painting this stunner, I had a nice conversation with Roo, largely about dogs, not something I would have imagined doing four or five years ago. How curious our life pathways are.
This piece from SkyHigh is an absolute jewel, with so much detail and interest in every letter. It seems that there is no limit to his talent, and it was amazing to watch him spray the folds in the letter ‘i’, to create a 3D look of paper. Each of the letters is meticulously and lovingly created to leave us with this masterpiece (not a word I use often). SkyHigh and Roo will always be very welcome visitors to Bristol.
4489. Greenbank (46)
There are some artists who never need introducing because their style is so unique, and without doubt Acer is one of those artists. Although he switches up his design concepts from time to time, they are still instantly recognisable as his work.
This playful rainbow lettering piece at Greenbank uses his current style and typeface to create the word ACER, with one small twist, literally, the piece is upside down. Clever work, once again perfectly executed.
Last days of the Raj
.
Shallow victory
enough time to do untold
and lasting damage
.
by Scooj
* So, predictably, Dictator Johnson holds on to power for a little while longer. I have lost faith in him, our government and am horrified by the mess our country is in. Brexit, which Johnson championed, has been the ruination of our nation, as was predicted, but it is rarely mentioned in the media as a primary cause of the chaos in the UK.
I heard an interesting challenge to Brexiteers, the other day which was; “if Brexit were to end tomorrow, what would you most miss?” I only saw one answer which was “independence”. Well it has been a very high price to pay, coming in at twice the cost of the impact of COVID in the UK, so far.
Johnson and his cabinet seem intent on waging war on the decent citizens of this country, in the name of what exactly? I just don’t get it, and I don’t understand why his supporters put up with it. All too depressing.
4489. Frome Side (15)
I bring you a couple of nice pieces from Klashwhensober from underneath the M32, the bit that is over the Bristol Frome (hence Frome Side), and adjacent to the M32 Spot. As with several other prolific artists, I have started to post more than one piece at a time if they are from around the same time in the same location, simply because I have a backlog of unpublished pictures that is swelling immeasurably, thanks to Upfest 2022 and a short trip to Porto, with its emerging street art scene.
The first piece is a beautifully colourful and happy SOBA piece that is filled with a natural scene including clouds, some birds and a superb purple flower. There is more going on here, though, with a green line that looks liked barbed wire running across the piece. I’ll need to ask Klashwhensober what it is all about next time I see him. I like the KLASH block letters on the ‘H’ too.
His second piece, which might have been his first piece, is another set of SOBA letters, with an icy theme happening. The letters are filled with what looks like cracked ice, and the bottom of the letters are fragmenting in frozen blocks and falling to the ground. A fire in the centre of the piece provides an additional burst of colour. Both pieces are nicely done and very ‘Klashwhensober’ish’ in style.
4487. Brunel Way (159)
This is a very welcome piece from Mr Underbite, who has managed to get under my skin completely, with his character pieces. This is the second time he has painted this spot, on the pathway alongside the Bristol Avon, and in doing so has made a bit of a claim on this little wall.
The view referred to by the character is of the Avon Gorge and Clifton suspension bridge, which is just to the right and beyond this wall. The character has paint brushes sticking out of the top of his head, and he seems to be in the mood for painting. I am so enjoying the journey with Mr Underbite.
4486. Dean Lane skate park (498)
One of the highlights of the last few weeks has been the appearance of a couple of Cheo pieces, something there has been a distinct lack of over the last two years. Here he has combined with Kopsky, an artist I am not familiar with.
The central character is classic Cheo. A caricature in a cartoon style with all the trappings of hip-hop culture. Beautifully painted and finished. It really has been way too long without his quality on the streets. I hope that this pieces is something of a renaissance.
The letters Arne by Kopsky and are obviously the work of a very accomplished writer. I’m not too sure what the letters spell out, but the greyscale tones are a perfect foil for Cheo’s colours. I love the tape and plasters ‘attaching’ the piece to the wall. Fine work indeed in this collaboration.
4485.M32 roundabout J3 (411)
This is the first Petro piece I have seen for a little while, but like all his pieces it is most welcome. Spelling out the word PETRO, the letters have a rather organic feel to them not really conforming to any specific convention, but immediately identifiable as a Petro piece. I love the “age 49 3/4” which made me laugh. A fine piece.
Having returned from Porto in the small hours of this morning, I have had time to reflect on the comparative street art scenes in Porto and in Bristol. My conclusion is that the two cities have very different styles, Porto’s seemingly in its infancy and Bristol’s, a mature and extraordinarily diverse and accomplished scene. Both are exciting and vibrant but in different ways.
Adeus
.
Farewell dear Porto
we’re leaving on a jet plane
later than we planned
.
by Scooj
4484. Upfest 2022 (10)
Shortly after painting this vibrant piece for Upfest, Rtiiika had a leaving paint jam on Cattle Market Road with her Bristol Womxn Mural Collective friends. I am not too sure where she is leaving to or how long for, but I am certain she will be back.
This is a beautifully designed piece with Rtiiika’s classic stylised figures all jumbled up together. A mash up of shoes, hats, legs, boobs and willies, some in outline and some in solid fill make this a dynamic and fun piece. Even though Rtiiika has left Bristol, I have several more of her pieces in my archive which I hope to find time to post. One of my favourite Rtiiika pieces.
Natural adventures 