Tag: Commentary

7582. M32 roundabout J3 (761)

Billy, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2026
Billy, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2026

One of the great pleasures of doing what I do is enjoying the vast spectrum of different styles and approaches to street/graffiti art that it is possible to see in Bristol. Billy is the creator of wonderful bright child-like illustrations that are so welcoming and upbeat.

Billy, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2026
Billy, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2026

In this political commentary piece, a dog is holding a peace symbol in its paws and a flower in its mouth, while a war scene unfolds in the background. A very sad reflection of the state of the world at the moment. The words ‘old dog, new tricks’ suggests to me that you can’t teach an old dog (Trump/USA/Israel/Iran) new tricks (peace, negotiation, compromise).

7279. Leonard Lane (52)

Alex Arnell, Leonard Lane, Bristol, October 2025
Alex Arnell, Leonard Lane, Bristol, October 2025

Boo! This is another slightly unhinged character piece by Alex Arnell in Leonard Lane. This time he has gone for a door at the north end of the narrow lane, which door lovers among you might see again some time in the distant future as part of a street art Thursday Doors selection.

Alex Arnell, Leonard Lane, Bristol, October 2025
Alex Arnell, Leonard Lane, Bristol, October 2025

The ghoulish creation is actually a political commentary piece which says ‘no red swastikas here’ meaning (I think) that St George crosses that have been appropriated to represent nationalism and racism are not welcome here, and he is in my view right. There is more than simply the character to admire in this piece, he is set alongside a road with a car, headlights shining, advancing towards a mini roundabout. It is these white mini roundabouts that have been painted with red crosses through them in a wave of ‘patriotism’ that has been sweeping the country. Unfortunate and rather sad that our tolerant nation resorts to this kind of posturing. Great piece from Alex Arnell. It is interesting that at the other end of the tunnel, a beacon of tolerance adorns the column of a building opposite.

7056. St Werburghs tunnel (516)

Mind 49, St Werburghs, Bristol, July 2025
Mind 49, St Werburghs, Bristol, July 2025

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
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.

It’s a very British thing

 

Some things are just too

funny; Johnners and Aggers

corpsing still kills me.

 

by Scooj

 

  • Reminded of a small piece of cricket commentary: