This is another wonderful stencil piece from John D’oh in what has become his personal gallery. The poignant message is so relevant at the moment when global politics are so unstable and the threat of wars heightened.
John D’oh, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, May 2026
The words “war does not determine who is right, only who is left”, are doing a lot of heavy lifting, leaving the reader in no doubt about the futility of war. The introduction of colourful flowers is perhaps an earnest attempt to offer some hope, some light that we can cling on to. This is a poignant and powerful piece by John D’oh.
Mind 49 has always been an activist, and although his art has mellowed in recent years, his principles are still very much intact. This anti-war piece is striking, poignant and beautifully presented.
Mind 49, St Werburghs, Bristol, July 2025
Skulls are a common motif/subject in street art and this is one of the very best examples I have ever seen. Mind 49 has captured the tones, shading and depth perfectly. Strangely, the helmet almost seems as though it is painted by a completely different artist. It is lacking in detail, the perspective is slightly out and the flags a bit untidy. I don’t know why this is, whether it is a deliberate device or that Mind 49 has absolutely cracked the skull and needs to work on helmets. It is a mystery.
The message to take home is clear. ‘Destroy the war machine’, which is directed at the UK, the USA and Israel. I could go into a long and thoughtful essay about the war in Palestine, and the impotence of voices that want an end to the killing and suffering. History will not look favourably on the genocide and the parallels with WWII concentration camps and justifications for extermination. Can’t people see the paradox? I’ll stop there. It upsets me too much.
Natural adventures 