Although Face F1st’s work is, on first viewing, not as spectacular or striking as some of the other local street artists, there is something very cultured and empathetic about his work. The familiar technique of incorporating a girl’s portrait into the word ‘face’ combined with the soft colour schemes marks out Face F1st’s pieces as something rather special.
Aspire sprayed this a little while ago, and within a very short space of time, a rather ‘jobsworth’ enforcement notice went up over the top of it. Some people are really stupid, or don’t really care, but when you look at the whole scene I know which bit I consider ugly and which out of place.
Regular readers of this blog will know that I have a real soft spot for Face F1st. I will always try to post his works as soon as I can after I have spotted them, although it is not always possible with such a huge backlog of street art.
This is a slightly unusual Face F1st piece. Sure, the soft colours are there and the FACE letters and the swirling hair, but the expression on the girl’s face is something new altogether. I’m not sure if I like it as much as the softer faces, but it is certainly striking. Good to see more work from the Face.
I can keep this relatively short and sweet. The practice hoardings at the Stokes Croft end of Ashley Road tend to have one of the highest turnovers of graffiti art in Bristol. Because of this it is easy to miss new pieces before they are over-painted, but sometimes, if you get the timing right, you will see a beauty like this.
It is no secret that I am a big fan of Face F1st, and this is my favourite to date. I really love the the way that PWA (Pirate Wall Art) is incorporated into the hair decoration. The designs in the lettering are becoming more elaborate too.
It sounds patronising, and certainly isn’t meant to, but I find this piece really charming. Just beautiful.
Another splendid paste up by Copyright. I featured another of his posters last week from Dean Lane skate park, and as a pair they are quite brilliant. How much I would love to own them and have them hanging at home.
His work is technically superb and his subjects always beautiful. Better than that though is the location and framing of this wheatpaste. Copyright has put some thought into how it should look…a common trait with pasters. Since seeing these two wonderful works I have found two more sprayed walls by Copyright, so plenty to keep me busy. The backlog is ever growing.
Just writing my name
This wall is probably the most over-painted practice wall in Bristol.For any pieces to last here, they have to be pretty good. This brilliant and colourful work by Deamze remained intact and untagged for a long while, but like all good things it has now gone.
It is impossible not to like this and other works by Deamze – his lines are so sharp and his colours always work in complete harmony with the lettering and characters.
8/10
This hoarding, on the corner of Ashley Road and Picton Street is a favourite of mine; the pieces here never last long, but they command attention due to the great location. The first time I ever saw one of Tom Miller’s works was here. Regrettably I didn’t photograph it and then it was gone. Right now the hoarding belongs to Aspire.
This piece appeared earlier this week, and in my view, is one of Aspire’s best so far. I am not sure what species the bird is, but it doesn’t look like a British one.
With the improving weather, the turnover of street art is on the up, and I really look forward to Monday mornings to see what has changed.
8/10
Another huge and vivid mural appeared at the end of September by the Bristol based duo Zase and Dekor. I have seen the mural a few times, and it is truly stunning. It also occupies a fantastic spot, at a three-way road junction, and is seen by huge numbers of people every day.
The cheerful piece contains all the characteristics you would expect from the pair. Fabulous detail, a dream-like subject matter and Zase’s name taking centre stage. Some great photographs of its creation can be found here.
The mural is thought to feature Zase’s son, but beyond that Zase suggests that you simply have to make of it what you will.
Other works by Zase and Dekor appear in Cottrell Street, Claremont Road, Cheltenham Road and York Street.
8.5/10
Natural adventures 