Tag: Bristol

361. Upfest 2016 (18)

Lemak had said that he was planning something spectacular for Upfest this year and with this piece ‘love’ he surely didn’t disappoint. I have been hugely impressed with Bristol-based Lemak’s stencil work that I have seen, in particular his tribute to DJ Derek and his tattooed girl.

Lemak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Lemak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

This piece is an absolute masterclass in stencil work, and I think my favourite piece of Upfest 2016. In addition to the great composition and technical work, Lemak has introduced some innovation to the piece.

Lemak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Lemak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

The heart stands proud of the rest of the picture, giving it a 3D aspect. His use of chemical formulae also brings an interesting dimension to the work, but most of all it is telling a story, and the best works usually have a story to tell. I don’t think I can express how good I think this is.

Lemak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Lemak, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I returned to this piece several times over the three days, but wasn’t lucky enough to catch up with Lemack…perhaps next time. Utterly brilliant.

I don’t care

image

I don’t give a fig

I couldn’t give a monkey’s

I just want to hang.

 

by Scooj

360. Upfest 2016 (17)

Fake is a brilliant self-taught Dutch stencil artist from Amsterdam whose work at this year’s Upfest is one of the outstanding pieces. Who can forget the image of a comic character (is it Skeletor? I’m not much cop at this kind of thing) riding a banana?

Fake, Greville Road, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Fake, Greville Road, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

The clean lines and framing of the piece on a white wall is what really makes this something different and special. Once again Upfest brings in talent like this for Bristolians to enjoy and appreciate for at least a year, and makes us all hungry for more.

Fake, Greville Road, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Fake, Greville Road, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I was very struck by this piece by Fake, and it is in my ‘top ten’ (figurative, not literal, because that would be impossible) from the festival. His website is well worth a gander too.

Family reunited

 

Son returned from camp

and cat from a month with the

vet; all together.

 

by Scooj

359. Upfest 2016 (16)

Only a few yards away from the wonderful Hannah Adamaszek piece is this striking work by one of my old favourites ATM. His works of wildlife can be found all over Bristol, and now in the very special playground of Ashton Gate school. It looks like I might only have missed him by slim moment as his step ladder is still next to the wall, but I think the work was completed.

ATM, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
ATM, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

As a naturalist, I really ought to know what bird this is, but I am not sure. Scratch that…I have just checked out his Instagram account and it is a wood warbler. His bird works are really exceptional and I wonder if he has been approached by the Audubon Mural Project, if not, he should be. A superb work, and an outstanding artist at this year’s festival.

Leaving

 

It’s complicated

me and my father; and now

he leaves one last time.

 

by Scooj

Changes

 

Tired of childish games

Dolly cuts loose, adventures

on the horizon.

 

by Scooj

 

356. Upfest 2016 (15)

This is a chimp by Matti. It is absolutely fantastic and one of my ‘best in show’ pieces from Upfest 2016. Matti is an artist who is based in Bristol, and works in the design, media and print industry. I don’t think he does much street work, which is a pity really.

Matti, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Matti, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

Matti has a fabulous website, very professionally put together, and ideal for a client base. For me though, I like to keep things simple (reading my blog should confirm that), and some of the descriptions on his bio leave me a little cold – probably because I am not from the world of art and design – maybe I should study more…

Matti, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Matti, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

…anyway this is a chimp by Matti. It is in Ashton Gate School. It is brilliant.

355. Upfest 2016 (14)

This is an extraordinary and eye catching piece by yet another female artist at Upfest this year. I love this piece very much. The more you look at it, the more it can unsettle. The out-of-proportion eye, and absence of the other eye ‘obscured’ by hair looks a little strange. What emotions are being expressed? Other works by the artist share similar features.

Caro Pepe, North Street, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Caro Pepe, North Street, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I saw this piece in various stages of its development, and the final result is really stunning. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to speak with the artist Caro Pepe, from Argentina…she had enough trouble on the pavement with people squeezed between her and the parked car. It must have been very difficult to concentrate.

Caro Pepe, North Street, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Caro Pepe, North Street, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

The previous incumbent at this address, number 74 North Street, was the wonderful N4T4 piece from last year’s festival. Two portraits, two very different styles, both excellent.

Caro Pepe, North Street, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Caro Pepe, North Street, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

I will definitely be looking out for more of Pepe’s work, although I expect to see it on the world stage rather than the local Bristol one. Thank you Upfest! There is a fine interview with Caro Pepe on the Street Art Bio website which is well worth a read.

Awake asleep

 

Our tummies rumble

waiting for the alarm clock

both awake asleep.

 

by Scooj