Tag: Anna Higgie

6093. Upfest 2024 (20)

Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024
Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024

There are some pieces that don’t require lengthy explanations or commentary because their beauty speaks for themselves and this gorgeous mural by Anna Higgie painted for Upfest 2024 is one of those.

Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024
Anna Higgie, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024

Anna Higgie is an illustrator, originally from Australia, but now based in Bristol and who works out of a studio in Stokes Croft. I have posted a couple of her pieces on Natural Adventures before, but I think her street work is occasional and that she focuses on her illustrations. This bright and striking floral piece is so good, and if I am honest, deserves a rather nicer wall than this one, but perhaps the beauty of the piece is enhanced by the slightly grubby surroundings. This piece could hang happily in a gallery or home (with a wall big enough)… for example my home! As ever at Upfest it is always gratifying to see a good mix of local, national and international artists represented.

3566. Stapleton Road

This railway pillar and three others, along with a large wall could have gone one of two ways. As Network Rail assets they might have been buffed with anti-graffiti paint, and become yet another sterile, functional piece of Bristol infrastructure. Fortunately, in a project supported by Network Rail and Severnside Rail Partnership, several local artists were commissioned to decorate the pillars, and the results have been utterly outstanding. I truly hope they receive the respect they deserve.

Anna Higgie, Stapleton Road, Bristol, March 2021
Anna Higgie, Stapleton Road, Bristol, March 2021

This pillar is by Anna Higgie and presents us with a host of urban icons from Bristol such as the balloon, electric scooter, busses, flowers and nature. There is something very connected and uplifting about the piece, celebrating an urban setting.

Anna Higgie, Stapleton Road, Bristol, March 2021
Anna Higgie, Stapleton Road, Bristol, March 2021

It is so good to see that these pillars have been handed over to local artists who in turn have handed them back to the community who will enjoy them for many years to come. An inspirational project which will create a sense of local pride.

1836. We the Curious

Most people in Bristol will know that the brilliant museum in Millennium Square, formerly known as @Bristol, changed its name to ‘We the Curious’ about a year ago, in a deliberate move to engage with people and inquisitive young minds. The museum and surrounding environment have always lent themselves to creative arts and the area is a showcase for science meets arts. Recently ‘We the Curious’ teamed up with the Cabot Institute to commission this beautiful work by Bristol illustrator and artist Anna Higgie.

Anna Higgie, We the Curious, Bristol, October 2018
Anna Higgie, We the Curious, Bristol, October 2018

This is a climate change mural (which immediately ticks my boxes) that on the face of it is a stylish portrait, but look a little closer and the picture comes alive with little stories about a changing climate and some of the causes. It is an unusual piece and one we should be proud of, if together with strong climate narratives it begins to engage people with the urgent need to do things differently in order to slow down CO2 emissions. I only know of one other work by the artist in Bristol and will have to post it soon.

One of the joys of the street art scene in Bristol is that it encompasses a spectrum of art from the safest commissions through to illegal graffiti writing and everything in between. Long live artistic expression and public access to art.