Conspicuous stripes
infectious, inflected bray
grazer of the veldt.
by Scooj.
- The challenge of choosing an animal and then writing a haiku about it is actually much harder than I thought it would be.
1351. Upfest 2017 (137)
The very first post I wrote from Upfest 2017 was this piece by Apset and Ionas, a couple of Greek artists who had arrived in Bristol but had not been allocated a wall. The sprayed a wall in Dean Lane skate park, but then got very lucky and managed to find a hoarding in South Street Park where they produced this fine piece.
Both of their Upfest works incorporated an animal paired with a portrait. I think that the animals are by Ionas and portraits by Apset. Both works are great collaborations and something a bit different.
I hope that they are coming back this year, and that if they do, that they get allocated a spot, without having to agonise too much. A much needed little ray of Thessaloniki sunshine at a damp Bristol Upfest.
Pangolin
Peculiar beast
sporting ‘globe artichoke’ scales
and sixteen inch tongue.
by Scooj
- I challenged myself to write a haiku about the first animal I could think of. I think I might make this a series…any suggestions welcome.
1350. Upfest 2017 (136)
Really, this is one of my favourite pieces from the whole of Upfest 2017, not only because of the quality of work, but because of the cheerful resilience of the artists in persevering with their work in spite if the inclement weather.
A fine collaboration between N4T4 and Philth which really brightened up the walk between North Street and Ashton Gate.
These two artists have painted together at the last three Upfests, and although not a true collaboration, their pieces complement each other perfectly.
I walked past these two a few times, and took my favourite picture of the festival (above) of them cheerfully painting in the rain. Such dedication.
The N4T4 piece on the left is a wonderful example of his portrait style, incorporating colours and shapes which combine to make the whole. A blast of exquisite colour and a stunning face.
Contrast this then with the grey scale portrait by Philth on the right. He is as well known for his floral designs as he is for his portraits and this piece is overflowing with flowers that lift the piece to another level.
i absolutely love this wall. Beautiful.
1349. The Bearpit (125)
This is the second stunning piece from Oze Arv that was painted in The Bearpit after Upfest 2017 and is at the end of the tunnel opposite his other piece there (see previous post).
Seeing both of these beautiful works by this talented artist was a real treat, and something quite special for The Bearpit, which at times can look a bit tatty and drab. In this piece Oze Arv once again combines his wildlife study with an abstract context – all very seductive and compelling.
For me this really is a great example of free art (of a very high standard) for the people of Bristol. Oze Arv selflessly painting two superb works, probably because he just loves to spray, and leaving a legacy of uplifting optimism. Free art for the people – it doesn’t get much better than that.
1348. The Bearpit (124)
This is the first of two posts on work by Oze Arv in The Bearpit which were very precious gifts that he made while he was in town for Upfest 2017. Since seeing his work for the first at the festival I have become a big fan.
There is something about the connection with nature and the wonderful colours he uses that makes this work engaging and uplifting, let alone his exquisite skill in combining abstract patterns with wildlife subjects.
This piece didn’t last long and the ephemeral nature of it makes the gift seem so much more special. I am pleased that I was able to capture it and even more pleased that I am able to share it now.
Uplifting
.
At West Wittering
on the beach with my eyes closed
a sweet skylark sings.
.
by Scooj
1347. M32 Spot (16)
Although it would seem that J. Dior is now long gone from the city of Bristol, there are still a few legacy pieces of his dotted around, and still several in my archives.
His deliverately naive style allows him to create characters and tell stories with ease. There is no doubting his imagination, but I think that at times his attitude and approach to painting upset some of the other artists in Bristol a little. Anyhow here we have a two-headed woman with a superhero top on – superheroes seemed to be a regular theme for J. Dior. This work is just a little bit of fun.
1346. M32 cycle path (12)
Ryder’s work can be found all over Bristol, and increasingly I am enjoying his particular style of writing. In this piece he has gone for some really bright colours and a spotty fill to the deep shadow. His characteristic eyes and teeth filling some of the spaces in the lettering.
Whether it is with his RAW mates, T-Rex, Rusk or Smak, or on his own, Ryder consistently turns out great work.
1345. Raleigh Road, vector (22)
Yet another piece from my archive – I have to say that I rather like posting things sometime after I captured them, it somehow adds to the legacy element of what I do. This is a fine piece of wildstyle writing from Dibz on the hoardings that will very soon be coming down.
Dibz’ complex pieces are characterised by a deep shadow lifting the piece out from the wall and giving it a bit of body. His Instagram account is well worth a squint to see pictures of his latest sketches in his black book. A great Bristol graffiti writer.
Natural adventures 