2748. L Dub (13)

The unofficial king of L Dub, Dun Sum has created this magnificent and rather weird long fantasy seascape, making excellent use of a wall that is otherwise difficult to paint. He has skilfully written his name – somewhat disguised – to the left of his main character. In the feature picture you might be able to make out SUM, the DUN is a little too far away.

Dun Sum, L Dub, Bristol, January 2020
Dun Sum, L Dub, Bristol, January 2020

The character is a wonderful imagined creature of the sea, part hermit crab, part jelly fish, part squid wearing a fine pair of what look like ski-goggles. the character is accompanied by a couple of other creatures including a six-armed starfish (not as uncommon as you might think in the natural world. A fun and unusual piece.

2747. M32 roundabout J3 (196)

This piece by Decay on the M32 roundabout is from a short while ago, but my first atempt at photographing it was foiled by the sun casting the shadow of a tree across the whole wall and utterly confusing my camera. I had to wait for a dull day!

Decay, M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020
Decay, M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020

In keeping with Decay’s ‘new look’ for 2020 he has painted his customary moniker over another word in a full caps, the other word in this instance being DECAY, so we have here a double Decay. I am liking this new concept a lot and am looking forward to where it takes us for the rest of the year.

Venus

 

In the western sky

a pearl in inky blackness

brilliant goddess

 

by Scooj

 

 

2746. St Werburghs tunnel (142)

The year is yet young, but already I have seen a feast of outstanding individual works and collaborations in Bristol – I am beginning to think this might be a great year for street art switching up a level. This amazing collaboration between Dasco and Oseque is a great example of the quality of work on display.

Dasco, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020
Dasco, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020

On the left, the writing from Dasco is simply sublime. I can’t believe that I have only recently registered his work, and must go through my archives to see if I can unearth some of his older stuff. Everything here is sheer perfection from the rectangular frame to the design, carefully considered shades and tones to the sensational execution. This is as good a piece of writing that I have seen so far this year, and probably a lot longer.

Oseque, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020
Oseque, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020

I am not familiar with the work of Oseque, and I am not sure, but I think he might be visiting. I know that there is a new collaboration from these two in Dean Lane, but I just haven’t had time to go and take a gander. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime just feast your eyes on this beauty – it is amazinng how a piece like this on a grubby wall in St Werburghs tunnel can look like the very best of canvasses in a studio or gallery. Even the graffiti beneath the protrait seeping through seems to add to the quality of the piece overall. Magnificent work.

2745. Picton Mews (2)

I don’t get to see nearly enough of 3Dom’s work. In the five or so years I have been doing this, his pieces have consistently been of the highest quality. Crazy and quirly at times, he seems to be constantly evolving his style and keeping things interesting.

3Dom, Picton Mews, Bristol, February 2020
3Dom, Picton Mews, Bristol, February 2020

This very recent piece in Picton Mews combines two of his fascinations, a skull and his abstract flowers. The dark skull contrasting with the vibrant colours of the flowers kind of gives me a sense of hope, beauty emerging from despair type of thing. As always immaculately executed and beautifully set on a dark blue background – an unusual colour in street art. More of this would be a great thing.

Shift

 

Early Spring again

though Winter’s business is yet

incomplete, undone.

 

by Scooj

2744. M32 roundabout J3 (195)

There is no doubt about it, the ever-prolific Face 1st is absolutely on fire at the moment, being very creative with his ideas, collaborating and doing his usual stuff. I don’t know how he has the energy and can only guess that he has access to a cheap supply of paint.

Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020
Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020

Hidden away in one of the M32 tunnels is this absolute gem, understated as is so often the way with this artist, which is a kind of fusion of a rebirth concept and a Cadbury’s cream egg – or at least that is how I see it. It is this quirky kind of idea that keeps Face 1st right up there with the top artists in Bristol. I still have to hunt down several recent pieces he has done… I just can’t keep up.

2743. M32 Spot (57)

Although Feek and 3Dom like to collaborate, it is not too common these days to find a new piece by these two. What a lovlely surprise then to find this one down at the M32 Spot. This particular board is becoming a bit of a goldmine, especially during this very damp winter we have been having.

Feek and 3Dom, M32 Spot, Bristol, February 2020
Feek and 3Dom, M32 Spot, Bristol, February 2020

On the left is a beautiful pencil character  by Feek which appears to have drawn the stunning piece of graffiti writing next to it. 3Dom is an alolrounder who seems to be equally comfortable with graffiti writing as he is with character pieces and abstract pieces, he seems to have it all in his armoury. There is some writing on the piece which reads:

The weight of it was killing me… the warmth of it was keeping me alive.

I’m not too sure if this is a quote or to what it refers, but it feels fairly profound. I like the little shout out to Ryder and Decay, whose collaboration was the previous occupant on this board.

Ciara

 

The tempest rages

While dog walkers soldier on

resilient bunch

 

by Scooj

 

2742. Turbo Island

Oh my goodness, Sled One is literally (almost, figuratively too sort of) on fire at the moment, or at least painting fire, with this bright character toasting a cartoon marshmallow over a hot flame.

Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020
Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020

This piece is more contrived than might at first be apparent. The subject is a direct nod to the bonfires that are regularly started on the little ‘green’ on Turbo Island usually by revellers, homeless people or addicts of one sort or another. I think that this is a remarkable piece by Sled One in so many ways. Technically it is brilliant, but equally brilliant is the little story that is unfolding in front of us.

Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020
Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020

I don’t really know how it is even possible, but I think this young artist is just getting better and better and I’m not sure he is even close to peaking yet. I hope this purple patch we are seeing from Sled One continues well into the year.