6100. Sparke Evans Park (97)

Kosc, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, May 2024
Kosc, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, May 2024

It is too easy to be seduced into expecting outstanding work from Kosc, and what I mean by that is that it isn’t easy to turn out unbelievably great from work every painting session, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Kosc works really hard, continuously improves and seems to be reaching another level these days.

Kosc, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, May 2024
Kosc, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, May 2024

This piece was painted alongside Stivs (to follow) in a collaboration that shares a colour scheme and combination theme. It would seem that the creative ideas were liberally shared, with Kosc creating some calligraffiti letters in a kind of Gothic font which have turned out really well. The eye though is drawn to the extraordinary portrait replacing the ‘O’ of Kosc. The fine detail and sheer beauty of the portrait is unbelievable, and that it is painted in two shades simply adds to the wonder of the piece. Kosc’s portrait work is magnificent, and this piece showcases it perfectly. We are blessed in Bristol.

6099. Brunel Way (273)

Abbie Laura Smith, Brunel Way, Bristol, May 2024
Abbie Laura Smith, Brunel Way, Bristol, May 2024

In recent weeks, Abbie Laura Smith and I exchanged a few messages, discussing some posts about her paste ups that I had written. During the course of the conversation, I asked whether she would be pasting up any more, as I hadn’t seen any new ones for a while. She said yes… imminently, and true to her word she released a bunch more. This is the first in her recent series that I came across.

Abbie Laura Smith, Brunel Way, Bristol, May 2024
Abbie Laura Smith, Brunel Way, Bristol, May 2024

The art of wheatpaste work is a two part process, the first part is the creation itself, usually carried out at home or in a studio, and the second part is to find the right spot to paste it up. Abbie Laura Smith manages to do both very well. This piece features a couple of portraits constructed in part by script writing, perhaps quotes or thoughts, I haven’t yet tried to untangle the words. The portraits are set on a leaf, which looks like a Swiss cheese plant leaf to me, a common motif used by artists. There is a lot of emotion in this piece, and maybe one day I’ll get to know the backstory.

 

 

6098. Leicester

Inkie, Nottingham, May 2024
Inkie, Nottingham, May 2024

These pieces bring together the familiar with the unfamiliar. Finding Inkie pieces in other towns and cities is always hugely rewarding, and gives me a sense of Bristol pride. To find two pieces in a city that I have never visited in my life before was definitely a bonus. I’m not too sure when these pieces were painted, and not to sure whether they survived the ‘Bring the Paint’ festival which was starting (coincidentally) on the morning I was out taking these photographs.

Inkie, Nottingham, May 2024
Inkie, Nottingham, May 2024

The two pieces showcase Inkie’s portfolio really well, containing his stylised Art Nouveau portraits and in the second piece combined with a classic piece of Inkie writing. Always good to see, and Inkie wasn’t the only Bristol artist to have painted in the city where I spotted artwork by Mr Penfold, Lewse, Skank and others… making me feel very much at home. I might have to pay another visit sometime.

6097. Vestry Street, Leicester

Smug, Vestry Street, Leicester, May 2024
Smug, Vestry Street, Leicester, May 2024

This is another outstanding Smug piece that I photographed during a short visit to Leicester last month. It is difficult to convey the sheer scale of the piece, because it is relatively thin, but as you can see it is seven stories tall, and somehow manages to complement the building perfectly. I believe it has been here for quite a while, since at least 2019, but I might be wrong.

Smug, Vestry Street, Leicester, May 2024
Smug, Vestry Street, Leicester, May 2024

The stunning piece features a woman, perfectly slotted into this narrow space, with a bullfinch in flight by her head. The photorealistic representation is quite extraordinary, in particular the folds of the woman’s clothing and her scarf. This and the other Smug piece are worth the trip to Leicester alone. Utterly outstanding and overwhelming.

6096. Dean Lane skate park (722)

Chill and Zake, Dean Lane, Bristol, June 2024
Chill and Zake, Dean Lane, Bristol, June 2024

You don’t often see the PWA crew paint this particular wall in Dean Lane, I guess because there are usually three or more of them painting together, but this time it is only Chill and Zake, so there is room here for both of them. The two portraits, in very different styles, are interacting really well together and integrated using a common background.

Chill and Zake, Dean Lane, Bristol, June 2024
Chill and Zake, Dean Lane, Bristol, June 2024

Chill’s portrait is both colourful and full of fine detail, and has that accuracy that is common in artists who are also tattooists. He is also responsible for the wonderful silhouette plants and signature song bird. Zake’s portrait, is a little softer and full of depth, with a slightly odd scene of fish and water flying out of the character’s mouth. While I am not too sure what is going on, it makes for entertaining viewing. The pairing is great to see, and this is certainly a memorable collaboration from them. I’m not too sure it lasted very long though, which is a pity.

Solar

A gallery of fabulous anti-style graffiti writing from Bristol artist Solar.

Crew PLB (Placebo)

All photographs by Scooj

Solar and Nice One, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, June 2024
Solar and Nice One, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, June 2024

Solar, New Stadium Road, Bristol, August 2024
Solar, New Stadium Road, Bristol, August 2024

j9449j and Solar, Montpelier Park, Bristol, June 2024
j9449j and Solar, Montpelier Park, Bristol, June 2024

Solar, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2024
Solar, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2024

Solar, Brunel Way, Bristol, September 2023
Solar, Brunel Way, Bristol, September 2023

Solar, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, July 2023
Solar, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, July 2023

Solar, Peel Street Green, Bristol, June 2023
Solar, Peel Street Green, Bristol, June 2023

Solar, M32 Cycle path, Bristol, May 2023
Solar, M32 Cycle path, Bristol, May 2023

Solar, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2023
Solar, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2023

Solar, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2022
Solar, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2022

Solar, Frome side, Bristol, October 2022
Solar, Frome side, Bristol, October 2022

Solar, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, April 2022
Solar, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, April 2022

Solar, New Stadium Road, Bristol, April 2021
Solar, New Stadium Road, Bristol, April 2021

6095. Clare Road

Molly Murals, Clare Road, Bristol, June 2024
Molly Murals, Clare Road, Bristol, June 2024

Well, this came a little bit out of the blue, and I only recently noticed it while driving along Stapleton Road between the M32 Spot and M32 roundabout. The enormous mural painted in May 2024 by Molly Murals is one of three public art installations aimed at revitalising Stapleton Road in Bristol – I’ve yet to discover the other two (I think). You can read up much more about this piece on her excellent website.

Molly Murals, Clare Road, Bristol, June 2024
Molly Murals, Clare Road, Bristol, June 2024

The abstract design is bright and vibrant and really large, bringing a sense of community pride to an area that can at times feel a little neglected. There are design elements that share commonalities with other artists in Bristol, such as Zoe Power and to a certain extent, Mr Penfold. Of course, that doesn’t detract from her design, rather it is a compliment.This is great stuff from a busy and successful Bristol muralist.

6094. Frome Side (35)

Bloem, Frome Side, Bristol, June 2024
Bloem, Frome Side, Bristol, June 2024

Hurrah, for Bloem. Her drive and creativity are something to admire, and as she progresses her confidence seems to grow. I had been aware of this portrait piece under the M32 for a while and hoping that it would still be there by the time I got round to visiting the spot, which I can only do without the dog.

Bloem, Frome Side, Bristol, June 2024
Bloem, Frome Side, Bristol, June 2024

The stylised portrait piece sees Bloem significantly extending her boundaries, and while there are many things to improve on, this one reminds me of some of the early work of Hazard, Pekoe and Rhozi (Rozalita), which is encouraging to say the least. The portrait is unusual and rather compelling, and is bookended with a rather nice design on the left and her name on the right. As I have said many times before, I really like her work, and feel excited each time I come across a new one.

6093. Upfest 2024 (20)

Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024
Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024

There are some pieces that don’t require lengthy explanations or commentary because their beauty speaks for themselves and this gorgeous mural by Anna Higgie painted for Upfest 2024 is one of those.

Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024
Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024

Anna Higgie is an illustrator, originally from Australia, but now based in Bristol and who works out of a studio in Stokes Croft. I have posted a couple of her pieces on Natural Adventures before, but I think her street work is occasional and that she focuses on her illustrations. This bright and striking floral piece is so good, and if I am honest, deserves a rather nicer wall than this one, but perhaps the beauty of the piece is enhanced by the slightly grubby surroundings. This piece could hang happily in a gallery or home (with a wall big enough)… for example my home! As ever at Upfest it is always gratifying to see a good mix of local, national and international artists represented.

Thursday doors – 13 June 2024 – Street art doors

Doors 268 – Street art and graffiti doors of Bristol (and Weston-super-Mare)

I have been away from Bristol a bit this week, and not had any time to prepare my final part of Cheltenham doors, which I will share in my next Thursday doors post. When this happens, I tend to recycle some existing photographs that I have taken for my graffiti and street art blog posts. gather them together and post them as a doors collection. It is a pragmatic solution to a diminishing time resource window (any more corporate speak welcome at this point).

These doors (and I use the term as loosely as possible) were originally posted in March, April and May 2023, but may have been photographed before that. I hope you enjoy them. Normal service should resume next time.

Alex Lucas, Montpelier, Bristol, February 2023
Alex Lucas, Montpelier, Bristol, February 2023

Conrico, Boswell Street, Bristol, April 2023
Conrico, Boswell Street, Bristol, April 2023

Zase, Cottrell Road, Bristol, April 2023
Zase, Cottrell Road, Bristol, April 2023

I cheated a little with this one, but there is a door behind the wall.

Maybe, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2023
Maybe, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2023

Is a hatch a door?

Maybe, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2023
Maybe, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2023

Aspire, Weston wallz, Weston-super-Mare, May 2023
Aspire, Weston wallz, Weston-super-Mare, May 2023

Do car doors count?

That’s it for this week.

If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.

by Scooj