Gulls over Bristol;
eyes shut, I am transported
to a summer shore.
by Scooj
706. Upfest 2016 (110)
This is the sixth piece by Shab that I have posted since the beginning of the year. A relatively new discovery for me, but he has been here all the time…I just hadn’t recognised his work. I feel such a fool, because he is not only really established in Bristol, but turns out fantastic pieces across the city Bristol which somehow fell under my radar.
His work at Upfest appeared on the side of a train carriage with the word ‘unwellcome’ (spelling) written above several of his line drawn figures and heads. His human figures are like studies or drafts, with particular attention to proportions, muscles and form. I do like his work very much, and of course the piece is generously sprinkled with eyes.
705. Upfest 2016 (109)
The international presence comes across very strongly at Upfest. This lovely piece by Scandinavian artist Salla Ikonen really shows how different styles, colours, subjects and influences come in to play to give a distinctiveness to work that has its origins outside the UK. Even within the UK, different parts of the country appear to have localised flavours.
I love the softness of this piece, and the calm colours, both the pink of the subject and the purples and greens in the background. There is something very appealing about this work, and it is so different to most of the street art we see in Bristol.
Cornish snow
In seventy-nine
we two played with a lightness
enjoying the snow.
704. Upfest 2016 (108)
Another wonderful paste up from Losthills of Jake the dog. In this one we see Jake sporting an interesting/spooky charm necklace.
There is something pleasing about the way Losthills sprays his pieces before he pastes them up, the dots of white paint in this instance add to the overall texture of the piece. I am rather fond of Jake the dog.
Flutter by
.
A visitation,
a moment at the window
and then it is gone.
by Scooj
703. Upfest 2016 (107)
We were treated to some wonderfully colourful pieces at Upfest last year, but right up there with the best of them was this lovely piece by KOB, aka Kobtropikal. Kob, originally from Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, started painting in 1999.
KOB has a rather organic approach to his work and favours painting surreal imaginary animals or plants or combinations of the two. He has a Facebook page, and interestingly has selected this piece as his avatar, so he must have been pleased with it. This piece has stuck in my mind, when many others have drifted in and out. It must have some strong elements that make it so memorable. A fine piece.
Five minute haiku
.
In Wagamamas
waiting for a takeaway;
turning Japanese.
–
by Scooj
702. Upfest 2016 (106)
I love the high-end quality of the work produced by Zase and Dekor. Always highly designed and thought out, their pieces always contain a story picture and a wildstyle ‘Zase’. This magnificent wall sprayed for Upfest is no exception.
It reminds me a little of a piece they did at Deaners a short while before Upfest, which might have been a fun practise run.
Dekor was rather quiet and focussed at Upfest, but Zase was happy to have a good chat while he was working. I asked whether he would be happy to do an interview for my blog, which he agreed to do, but of course I haven’t got round to it yet. Watch this space.
There is something very clean about their work, and the stories contained in them really play a large part. Zase produces these amazing 3D wildstyle writing which are a little like puzzles to unravel, but once you get your eye in are really pleasing.
They workm on a lot of commissions, which is why it is so good to see them at Upfest, and at Deaners during July.
701. St Werburghs tunnel (11)
Well here is another weekly dose of Laic217. This piece is from a short while back and can be found at the city farm end of the St Werburghs tunnel, although turnover there is so rapid that it might have gone by now.
This piece bears some resemblance to his larger work in the Dean Lane skate park, and has something of the grotesque about it. Drug culture seems to play a large part in Laic217’s pieces and it looks like this pink individual is smoking weed. Not the most beautiful piece you will see, but all part of the broad and imaginative portfolio of this artist.
Natural adventures 