6070. Leicester

Annatomix, Leicester, May 2024
Annatomix, Leicester, May 2024

I saw an awful lot of street art and graffiti writing in Leicester on a work trip to the city last month, and I have had to be quite selective on what I have selected to post. This piece by Annatomix might not be one of the best pieces I photographed, but I have a soft spot for her work, and the subject matter, a fox, is representative of the city of Leicester.

Annatomix, Leicester, May 2024
Annatomix, Leicester, May 2024

Annatomix is know for her representations of wildlife that resemble a folded paper model, recreated in her artwork. It is a style that she has perfected and made her own. There is a crispness and accuracy to her work that is admirable, and her ability to create a completely believable image of something that we can imagine, but that doesn’t exist is remarkable. A lovely piece and fond memory of my trip.

1681. Upfest 2018 (21)

To kick of the third set of ten posts from Upfest 2018 is this magnificent piece by the brilliant artist Annatomix. I have seen a few of her pieces and I have to say the more I see of them, the more I like them.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

This piece was on a new wall for 2018, which it suited perfectly, in a little garden space behind an arched gateway on North Street. I wrote a haiku about this gateway some time ago.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

I managed to have a quick chat with Annatomix during one of the several showers on the Saturday, and I think she was worried about getting behind schedule with the piece. It was such a pity that it rained during Upfest, especially as it was in the middle of a heatwave.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

The choice of subject, a kingfisher, and the stunning colours – thanks largely to the kingfisher itself – was absolutely perfect for this space. Her origami style of painting is so clever and really attractive – a kind of abstract take on wildlife.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

I think it would be nice to keep this as a permanent wall, but I don’t know it that is likely to happen – best to enjoy it while it is there I guess. Bravo Annatomix – one of the festival highlights.

1368. Upfest 2017 (147)

I am not sure that Annatomix sprayed a wall  or board at last year’s festival, and if she did, I didn’t see it. However, she did leave a couple of nice paste ups for us to enjoy.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This super wheatpaste features a fox and rabbit created in the unique ‘paper-fold’ style that Annatomix likes to use in her painting too.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This is one of the things I love about Upfest…all the ‘unofficial’ offerings from great artists.

513. Upfest 2016 (70)

I have long admired the work of Annatomix from the comfort of my PC or mobile phone through Instagram and other digital social media. It was a real pleasure then to see her at work at this year’s Upfest.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Annatomix is a self-taught artist from Birmingham who seems equally at home with fine art work as she does with street art or graffiti art. Her geometric folded paper characters are very distinctive, and her pieces certainly stand out from the crowd.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
She has a lovely website and you can read more about her here. There are also some great examples of her street art work on this Global Street Art page.

Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Annatomix, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
As with many pieces I saw at Upfest, I never saw the final work, but I love the simple peace (anti-war) message and symbolism. I want to find more of her work, but I think I might have to go to London to see it.