1858. M32 roundabout J3 (102)

Hurrah – I just love it when paint jams are held on this wall. There is clearly some organising that goes on to buff the entire length of wall in a common colour and for all the artists to share a colour scheme. This is the first of several posts from this particular recent gathering and I chose to start with Rowdy, because it is a while since I posted any of his work.

Rowdy, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018
Rowdy, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018

One of the godfathers of Bristol street art, Rowdy shows us the way with a stack of his trademark crocodiles that can be found scattered all over the City. A simple concept stylishly presented and emblematic of the Bristol scene. I love this piece, and just take a look at the detail in the eyes. What does it al mean?

Contrast

.

Yesterday’s sunshine

too short-lived and usurped by

sad overcast skies.

.

by Scooj

1857. M32 roundabout J3 (101)

This is an absolutely stunning piece of 3D writing by one of Bristol’s most talented young artists, Sikoh. There are only two other artists I know of in Bristol who can form 3D lettering as well as this and they are Zase and Lokey, so he is in very good company indeed.

Sikoh, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018
Sikoh, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018

The letters spell out ‘Inspectah Deck’ and it is a tribute to the rapper/producer/actor. It is at this point that I have to disclose that my knowledge of rap and hip hop are not good, and despite an eclectic taste in music and good education, I know little of this genre…a major disadvantage for a street/graffiti art rapporteur. So I’ll focus on the art rather than the subject of the art. I’ll not say too much about this piece, because its quality is evident. Take a while to marvel at the shadows and accents. This is a beauty.

1856. M32 Spot (32)

This quick one from Soap is another fine example of a Halloween piece which cleverly incorporates a pumpkin into the trademark design that Soap uses. The eyes doubling up as mouths complete with tongue and teeth works pretty well for a spooky effect, but is something Soap does with many of his pieces.

Soap, M32 Spot, Bristol, November 2018
Soap, M32 Spot, Bristol, November 2018

The columns in the M32 spot really lend themselves to these smaller vertical works, and because each one has four sides there is a whole lot of ‘canvas’ for artists to work with. Always fun with Soap.

One of those gorgeous mornings

.

Morning light shimmers

on frosted pastures and fields

livestock statue-still.

.

by Scooj

Gold on blue

.

Golden cockerel

perched high up on a church spire;

cock a doodle do!

.

by Scooj

Inefficiency

 

Revolving doors at

the Department, corporate

memory undone.

 

by Scooj

1855. Brighton Street (1)

I have known about this wonderful piece by Decay for quite some time, but just haven’t had the time to get to this part of St Pauls until very recently. The abstract work was painted to mark the St Pauls carnival and Decay has exchanged his usual greys, blacks and reds for the Rastafarian colours of red, gold and green.

Decay, Brighton Street, Bristol, November 2018
Decay, Brighton Street, Bristol, November 2018

I feel like I have had slight withdrawal symptoms from having seen so little of Decay’s work since Upfest, so finding this was just what the doctor ordered. His abstract formation, or variations of it, are always pleasing to the eye and so distinctive that no signature is required. Nobody else does anything like this.

1854. St Werburghs tunnel (51)

Well, well, well it would seem that Mr Klue has rediscovered his mojo, which is absolutely brilliant news for this king of abstract street art in Bristol and is also pretty good news for me too.

Mr Klue, St Werburghs, Bristol, November 2018
Mr Klue, St Werburghs, Bristol, November 2018

Over recent weeks Mr Klue has been turning out a whole load of excellent pieces, mostly in St Werburghs tunnel, and this one was form the very end of October. I mentioned before that there had been a great crop of Halloween pieces this year and this is one of them.

Mr Klue, St Werburghs, Bristol, November 2018
Mr Klue, St Werburghs, Bristol, November 2018

Much of Mr Klue’s work is peaceful and calming, but a quick glance of some of the detail in this one shows a fair amount of menace…the chainsaws are particularly horrific. I love this piece, and it really brings out another side to the talents of Mr Klue. One of my all-time favourite Halloween pieces.

Forever divided

 

No arbitration

for such a disagreement

only a win/lose

 

by Scooj