2053. The Bearpit (177)

With the incredible weather we have had recently in Bristol, there has been a massive turnover of street art, so what the hell am I doing delving through my archive pictures rather than posting current street/graffiti art? I think that it tends to happen when I am looking for something specific and then stumble upon things that I have squirreled away. Anyhow, I saw this and just had to post it. It is a winter piece (obviously from the subject) by John D’oh.

John D'oh, The Bearpit, Bristol, January 2017
John D’oh, The Bearpit, Bristol, January 2017

The stencil depicts the snowman from Disney’s Frozen, and makes a pun on the name with one of the characters (Olaf = a laugh), but then draws in the incredibly serious matter of climate change. This is a skillful way of blending art, humour and the biggest issue of our time in a typically John D’oh way. I love this piece and am happy that I have now at last liberated it.

Window seat

.

I’m facing backwards

watching the world pass me by

metaphor for life.

.

by Scooj

2052. Upfest 2016 (170)

Rounding off this batch of ten Upfest 2016 pieces is this powerful piece by Bram. Depicting  a person standing behind a glass barrier, the piece makes a bold statement about refusing refuge, which in 2016 was a huge issue across Europe.

Bram, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Bram, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

Although the piece on first inspection might seem a little simple, it is in fact beautifully composed and executed, with fine detail on the hands pressed up to the screen, but a murky figure behind the hands is obscured. It is a moving piece and a classic case of less is more, as you try to fill the gaps of the story for yourself.

Bram, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Bram, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I know nothing of the artist and have struggled to find out anything from the Interweb.

2051. Upfest 2016 (169)

During Upfest 2016, a few of these beautiful glazed face masks by Gesta Future were placed around North Street and in town too, although from recollection none of them lasted too long before being hacked off, which is unfortunate if not a little predictable.

Gesta Future, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Gesta Future, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

Gesta Future is an Italian artist who seems to be equally comfortable producing ceramics as he does using spray cans freestyle or with stencils. A versatile artist with great creative ideas. These masks are the only pieces of his that I have seen, but if I go to Italy any time soon, I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

Gesta Future, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Gesta Future, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

Sanctimony?

.

There’s much to be said

for rising with the new day

and not fighting it.

.

by Scooj

UK not OK

 

These uncertain times

create chaos and despair

divided nation.

 

by Scooj

2050. Upfest 2016 (168)

Now here is something of a rarity, a piece of street art by Smak, rather than the graffiti writing we normally associate him with. Smak is an accomplished artist as well as writer as this piece from Upfest 2016 amply demonstrates.

Smak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Smak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I think this piece is depicting the Gorgon Medusa with her snake locks and stare that turns all who gaze upon her to stone. I think that if the piece had not been signed I would have really struggled to recognise it as a Smak piece. Really great to see something different from this Bristol-based artist.

2049. Upfest 2016 (167)

I think this was the first time I saw anything by Hypo, but I think I might have been somewhat overwhelmed by the anti-May work by Peter Sheridan next to it that this piece passed me by a little. I am glad that I have had time to reflect and dig it out of archive.

Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I have noticed that Hypo likes to work with a vanishing point in the middle of his work, so that all 3D shading gravitates to the centre. I like the reasonably straightforward graff writing of this piece especially the splashes of white on the corners. At the bottom he recognises Mixie, Expo and Ulow as well as himself. A nice Upfest piece…below is his offering from 2017.

Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Thursday doors

Doors 62 (although it might be 63)

I have been a little short of time this week so I’m afraid you’ll have to make do with a few doors picked up from my walks around Bristol. Some are rather old others from just a couple of weeks back. No theme…just doors.

Shop door with loads of door furniture, Bristol, December 2017
Shop door with loads of door furniture, Bristol, December 2017
The White Harte, Bristol, November 2017
The White Harte, Bristol, November 2017
Blue door, keyside cottage, Bristol, December 2018
Blue door, keyside cottage, Bristol, December 2018
Blue door, keyside cottage, Bristol, December 2018
Blue door, keyside cottage, Bristol, December 2018
Never surrender your imagination, Bristol, January 2019
Never surrender your imagination, Bristol, January 2019

That’s it for now, wishing you all a wonderful week.

Scooj.

Check out a great world of doors at: Thursday Doors – Norm 2.0, just follow the frog.

 

 

False dawn

 

It’ll end in tears

nature waking up early

just you mark my words.

 

by Scooj