More quick ones today, there is fishing to be done. This is another piece by Gent48 in Birmingham. It is quite an old portrait piece, but the artist is clearly respected, because the piece is still here and untagged.
The cartoon-style character is painted with a sepia tint, making it look like an old photograph. I’m not too sure what the back story is, but it is a nice piece.
Back to the unfamiliar streets of Birmingham and the work of Gent48. This is a humdinger of a piece full of intrigue and creepy stories. It would seem that Gent48 ‘owns’ this area of boarded up shopfronts with several of his awesome pieces in quick succession.
A seated character appears to be on the receiving end of an attack by ghoulish forces or something of that nature. Brilliantly designed and executed.
I have mentioned in previous posts that on a recent work trip to Birmingham, I was lucky enough to pass by some street art spots on my way back to the station, after the workshop I led. One area, Smallbrook Queensway and the Ringway Centre appears to be in decline, with most of the shops and commercial spaces in this 1960s building boarded up. Needless to say that most if not all of the boards have been painted, and I would say some years ago – possibly an artefact of the impacts of Covid lock downs.
One artist in particular, Gent48, appears to have exploited this ‘canvas opportunity’ more than most, with several pieces, including this collaboration with graffiti writer Zinzinahh. The collaboration is a good one, dating back to 2023, and still in fairly good condition. The character by by Gent has an eye in the palm of his hand – there is a story there I am sure. The writing is beautifully executed, but I am not particularly familiar with either artist and can’t provide much background or context, preferring to enjoy the collaboration as a visitor.
Another piece I managed to snap on a recent work trip in Birmingham on my way to the station, this time by the brilliant Annatomix, whose ‘origami’ style animal pieces are so distinctive.
This gorgeous magpie or maybe blue jay certainly brightens up an incredibly bland street in Birmingham. Annatomix is running a campaign against exploitation of her and other artist’s art, and is limiting her street work to commissions, so I am guessing this might be quite an old piece. Stunning though.
An early start today to fly back home from them perfect days in Skopelos and Skiathos, Greece, so I wrote this post last night. A quick one…
I ran a workshop in Birmingham a few weeks ago, and walking back to the station I spotted this old piece by Tizer, dated 2019. It appears to have fared reasonably well. It is a classic combination piece by the London-based artist. Great character and letters.
Doors 275 – Doors of Birmingham, UK, November 2023
Back in November, I had a meeting in Birmingham. I think it was a large team meeting, and because we have colleagues located all around the country, Birmingham was chosen as the venue because it is pretty central, and reduces travel costs and time for most people.
These pictures were taken between the station and the meeting venue, which would appear to be the heart of the law district in Birmingham, with plenty of chambers and the Birmingham Law Library. There are some surprisingly interesting doors in the selection, which were photographed in a bit of a hurry during the ten-minute walk.
So that’s it from me this week, and from Birmingham for the time being. I’ll have to root around in my folders to decide what to post next time. May I wish you a great weekend ahead.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
by Scooj
.
In the beginning
was a rock band Genesis
last performances
.
by Scooj
* in Birmingham watching ageing rockers.
.
Postprandial slump
it’s my age I’d like to think
pinching doesn’t work
.
by Scooj
Incorporation
of natural forms, calms the
fraught urban landscape.
by Scooj
Day in Birmingham,
‘Venice’ of middle England.
Canals, not beauty.
by Scooj
